Feyenoord floored by Vlaar blow

Dutch Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord will be without Ron Vlaar until the new year after it was confirmed that the highly-regarded central defender has torn his cruciate ligaments.

Summer achievement
The 22-year-old sustained the knock in Sunday's 3-1 victory away to Roda JC, twisting awkwardly as he tussled with Jeanvion Yulu-Matondo. An MRI scan today confirmed the worst with his left knee and Vlaar will be out for three to four months, with the Feyenoord medical staff opting to initially allow the player to recover through rest and physiotherapy rather than undergo an operation. Vlaar captained the Netherlands to UEFA European Under-21 Championship glory in June but missed the final due to ligament problems, also in his left knee.