Afellay: Injury has made me stronger

Netherlands midfielder Ibrahim Afellay says he is not worried about his lack of match fitness ahead of Euro 2012.

The Barcelona star missed the majority of the 2011/12 campaign due to a knee injury, and only recently returned to match action.

Nevertheless, the Dutch international said he is in fine form ahead of the European Championships, and is not concerned by a lack of touch.

“A footballer never loses the feeling for the ball,” Afellay said.

“I don’t think that there are things that I’m no longer capable of doing all of a sudden. The injury has made me stronger both physically and mentally.

“It didn’t take long for the good feeling to return after my comeback. That’s only logical, though, when you’re working with some of the best players in the world.”

Afellay is expected to feature from the start in Netherlands’ friendly against Slovakia on Wednesday.