Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is facing an anxious wait to discover whether an ankle injury will prevent him playing in the World Cup finals.

The Hamburg star recently underwent surgery to remove a screw from the joint, but limped out of training on Monday having been struck by a ball.

The latest injury is not related to the 23-year-old's existing problem, but that is not necessarily good news for him.

Netherlands head coach Marco van Basten said: "The new injury is on a different spot.

"It is clear though that the joint is not comfortable yet. It is good he stopped the training immediately. We must now wait and see how serious it exactly is."

Van der Vaart is certain to miss Thursday's friendly against Mexico because of the injury.