Marco Van Basten, new coach of the Dutch national team, faces an injury crisis ahead Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Czech Republic.

The 39-year-old successor to Dick Advocaat is already without Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, through suspension.

Left-winger Arjen Robben is injured, midfielder Clarence Seedorf is also recovering from an injury while striker Patrick Kluivert is short of match fitness after barely playing following his move to Newcastle.

There are also doubts over defenders Kevin Hofland, Johnny Heitinga, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Nigel de Jong and Romeo Castelen.

The Dutch and the Czech Republic are joint favourites to progress Group Two, although they will be given a run for their money by Romania, who have opened their campaign with two wins.

The withdrawals have forced Van Basten to introduce a host of new faces into his squad. Khalid Bouhlarouz, Romeo Castelen, Dirk Kuijt, Pascal Bosschaert, Jan Kromkamp, Danny Landzaat, Marteen Stekelenburg and John De Jong are all recent additions to the Dutch set-up.

“The names aren’t important,” said Van Basten.

“What interests me is picking players who take pleasure in playing.”