Report: Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong could be available for semi-final vs. Argentina

It's difficult to believe, but according to De Telegraaf, Nigel de Jong could be available for the Netherlands when they take the pitch for their semi-final match against Argentina on Wednesday.

Despite a small tear in his groin muscle, which was supposed to have kept the holding midfielder out of action for two to four weeks, de Jong has been participating in full training with the rest of the team.

His return to the lineup would be incredibly timely. Without de Jong, the Dutch lack a physical presence in the middle of the pitch, something they could certainly use against Lionel Messi and Argentina.

While de Jong practiced with the rest of the squad, both Robin van Persie — who has appeared out of sorts in the Netherlands' two knockout-stage victories — and Daryl Janmaat — who hasn't featured since the third Group Stage match — trained separately.