Dutchman Van Gaal fell off his bike before the crucial World Cup qualifier

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The veteran Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal injured his hip when he fell from a bicycle on Sunday, but he will be able to coach the team in the World Cup qualifier against Norway on Tuesday in Rotterdam.

Van Gaal was riding a bicycle near the team hotel when he fell and was taken to the hospital for examination. He used a golf cart for Monday’s training before the Group G tiebreaker. The Dutch team needed to draw lots to secure a place in the final next year. Qatar.

The 70-year-old was also unable to attend Monday’s pre-match press conference in person, but he appeared via a video link in a wheelchair.

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“I am not in good health, but my brain is still working. I am in pain, which is why I was sitting in the carriage during training,” Van Gaal told reporters.

“I can still do anything and have completed all the preparations I would normally do.”

The Dutch captain, Virgil van Dijk, who did appear at the press conference, said the incident was “absolutely shocking.”

“We are very happy that he can lead us. This has not had much impact on the preparations. He presided over an important meeting this morning and still guided us. Van Gaal is still eager to participate in the World Cup.”

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Van Gaal said he will sit on the bench on Tuesday and hopes the Dutchman will win the game and secure the top spot in the group.

The Netherlands could have qualified in Montenegro last Saturday, but gave up two late goals and unexpectedly won 2-2.

When Van Gaal coached AZ Alkmaar in 2007, he broke his fibula and ankle and coached several training sessions in the golf cart seat.

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