DOUBLE UPDATE - Nothing seems to be going right for Marco van Basten as Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben has been ruled out of early round action for Holland with a groin strain.

Mario Melchiot, although not a starter, has been hit with a groin strain as well and is also a doubt for the early stages.

UPDATE – Ryan Babel is OUT of the 2008 Euros after suffering ligament damage in his ankle on Saturday.

That’s a huge loss for van Basten. Even though Babel most likely wouldn’t have started, he would have been a big presence coming off the bench for the Dutch.

No replacement has been named yet.

image via Telegraph

Why is it that the Dutch can’t get their shit together?Clarence Seedorf has officially pulled out of the 2008 European Championships citing playing conditions under former Dutch star Marco van Basten.

This is the second star player to pull his name out of consideration after Mark van Bommel announced that he wouldn’t make himself available to van Basten either. Both have publicly stated their intentions of being involved in the set up again after the European Championships, when van Basten steps down to take over at Ajax on July 1st.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has already been dropped from van Basten’s squad, only to be recalled later in the campaign. Wonder if it was Ruud that apologized or van Basten who recognized he needed his goal scorer back?

Who’s next and why is van Basten seemingly at odds with so many big name players?