Dutch call-ups for Boerrigter, Babel

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has named Derk Boerrigter and Ryan Babel in his 23-man squad for friendlies with Germany and Switzerland.

Ajax winger Boerrigter is rewarded for his fine form in the past few weeks with a first international call-up.

Hoffenheim forward Babel returns to the squad after nearly a year-long absence, while Schalke’s Klaas-Jan Huntelaar made the cut despite suffering a fractured nose in a midweek Europa League clash.

Hamburg defender Jeffrey Bruma, Ajax midfielder Theo Janssen and Juventus winger Eljero Elia all missed out on a place in the final squad after being included in Van Marwijk’s provisional 26-man list.

The Netherlands host Switzerland in Amsterdam next Friday before facing Germany in Hamburg four days later.