Ron Vlaar could miss World Cup semi with knee injury

Aston Villa's Dutch World Cup hero Ron Vlaar is doubtful for Wednesday's semi-final against Argentina with a knee problem, officials said on Sunday.


Vlaar has impressed in an Oranje side which blitzed its way through the group stage, starting with a 5-1 hammering of the Spanish, then seeing off Mexico and Costa Rica.

The injury news will certainly be a worry for Paul Lambert and his new number two Roy Keane as Villa's non-World Cup players return for pre-season training.

Vlaar is in line to be the first Villa player to take part in a World Cup final, if the Dutch can get past Messi and his compatriots.