Seedorf to miss game against Germany

Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf will miss the Netherlands’ opening Euro 2004 game against Germany on June 15 because of a hamstring i...

Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf will miss the Netherlands’ opening Euro 2004 game against Germany on June 15 because of a hamstring injury.

Seedorf was injured during the 1-0 defeat by Ireland at the weekend and a second MRI scan has shown his hamstring has suffered worse damage than originally thought.

The 28-year-old will be out of action for a week, Dutch coach Dick Advocaat said on Tuesday, adding that there was no plan to call up a replacement for the AC Milan player. ‘‘At this stage you are allowed to replace a player only if he is seriously injured and out for the rest of the tournament,’’ said Advocaat.

Figo returns to training

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ALCOCHETE: Portugal forward Luis Figo returned to training on Tuesday after a slight injury, team doctor Henrique Jones told a news conference. Figo will be available to play in the opening Euro 2004 match against Greece on Saturday after recovering from a minor leg muscle strain.

‘‘Figo returned to practice without any limitations,’’ Jones said.

The only injured player in the hosts’ squad is defender Beto, who also pulled a leg muscle. ‘‘I am optimistic and I hope that Beto will be fit to play by Saturday but we have to wait at least 24 hours,’’ Jones said.