Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart looks set to miss the rest of the Bundesliga season after being told he needs to undergo surgery on his left ankle.

The Netherlands international had a metal pin inserted in the joint in December, but the area around the pin has become infected and his doctor has decided it needs to be removed.

Van der Vaart, who has been in inspirational form during Hamburg's title challenge, is expected to recover in time to play at the World Cup finals.

HSV's Dutch defender Nigel de Jong has also been ruled out for the rest of the domestic campaign with a knee injury, but should be fit enough to take his place in Marco Van Basten's squad for Germany 2006.

One Netherlands international who may not be so lucky is Ajax midfielder Hedwiges Maduro.

The 21-year-old damaged ankle ligaments during Sunday's 4-2 win against Feyenoord and will be sidelined for up to a month.