Hamburg striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been recalled to the Netherlands squad following his blistering start to the Bundesliga season.

The 34-year-old last played for his country in the finals of UEFA EURO 2008 after which he announced his international retirement.

He reversed that decision in the hope of getting a call-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ squad only to be overlooked by Oranje boss Bert van Marwijk.

But with Arsenal's Robin van Persie ruled out with an ankle injury, the former Manchester United striker has now been handed a recall for the games against San Marino and Finland.

A KNVB statement this afternoon revealed Van Persie will be out for "at least a few weeks". Van Persie suffered the injury playing for the Gunners in the 2-1 win at Blackburn on Saturday.

His injury opens the door for Van Nistelrooy, who has netted six goals in three games for Hamburg in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal this season.

The former PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Real Madrid star has netted 33 goals in 64 games for his country.

The Netherlands play San Marino on Friday before taking on Finland in Rotterdam on 7 September.