Van Persie dropped for Dutch friendlies

Amsterdam - Netherlands coach Danny Blind has not selected striker Robin van Persie in his provisional 23-man squad for two upcoming friendlies, but says his omission does not mean the end of the international career of the nation's all-time top scorer.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal and Manchester United star has scored 50 goals in 101 internationals but now looks like he could become the first major casualty of a rebuilding process after the Netherlands failed to qualify for next year's European Championship.

Blind said Monday, "I don't think he's playing well" for his Turkish club Fenerbahce, but added that Van Persie could still be called up in the future if he returns to full fitness.

The Dutch have no competitive matches until World Cup qualifiers start next year.