The Dutch coach falls off his bike before a fateful match in the World Cup qualifiers

Veteran Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal suffered a groin injury after falling off his bike on Sunday, but he will be with his team tomorrow, Tuesday, in a fateful match against Norway in the World Cup qualifiers in Amsterdam.

Van Gaal, who was riding his bike near the team's hotel when he fell and was taken to a hospital for tests, used a golf cart to supervise the team's training today, Monday, before the expected match in Group G, in which the Netherlands needs a draw to determine its qualification for next year's finals in Qatar.

The 70-year-old coach was unable to attend the pre-match press conference on Monday in person, but he participated via video technology while sitting in a wheelchair.

"My physical condition is not good, but my brain is still working," Van Gaal told reporters.

"But I can still carry out my duties and have made the required preparations normally."

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, who took part in the news conference, said the incident was "certainly a shocker".

"But we are happy that he is still able to lead the team and this incident did not affect the preparations too much. This morning he chaired an important meeting of the team. Van Gaal is still keen to reach the World Cup finals."

Van Gaal said he would be on the bench tomorrow, Tuesday, and expected the Dutch team to win the match and take the lead in the group.

The Netherlands could have qualified on Saturday at the expense of Montenegro, but conceded two late goals to draw 2-2 in a surprising result.

While Van Gaal was coaching AZ Alkmaar in 2007, he fractured his ankle and fibula, but led the practice from his golf cart seat.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news