Van Bommel tears ankle ligament

Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel tore a ligament in his ankle during national team practice Tuesday.

Van Bommel, who transferred from PSV Eindhoven to FC Barcelona this season, will be sidelined for about eight weeks, NOS news reported. Team spokeswoman Monique Kessels said she could not confirm the seriousness of the injury, but said "it's clear he's hurt."

Television replays showed Van Bommel landing awkwardly in a collision with George Boateng. Van Bommel then limped off the field in pain, supported by two trainers.

NOS reported that Boateng bruised his knee and may miss Saturday's friendly against Italy. Van Bommel had been summoned to the team on Monday as a replacement for Ajax's Wesley Sneijder, who has a tender hamstring.

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has said Van Bommel is his third choice at right midfield after Sneijder and AZ Alkmaar's Denny Landzaat, AP reports.

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