Liverpool's Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt did not suffer a serious ankle injury in Saturday's 1-1 Euro 2008 qualifying draw with Bulgaria, the Dutch FA said today.
Kuyt will miss tomorrow's home tie against Albania but a scan has revealed the striker did not tear ankle ligaments after limping off after 16 minutes in Sofia.
"After examination in a hospital, Dirk Kuyt's injury has turned out better than expected. Initially, the striker was thought to have torn his ankle ligament in the match against Bulgaria but he probably only strained it," the KNVB (Dutch FA) said in a statement.
"It is not known how long the Liverpool striker will be sidelined but he will not be in action on Wednesday."
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is angry that Kuyt was not allowed return to England to receive treatment.
"They have kept the player, but if he was a doubt for Wednesday it means he is not fit - and they should understand that," Benitez is quoted as saying.
"They were talking about seeing if he can play on Wednesday, but what happens then?"
Benitez also called for national associations to compensate clubs.
"They should pay 50 percent of a player's wage when they play for their country and 100 percent if they are injured. I would prefer to have Kuyt return fit than be compensated but this is a big problem."
