Stam KO rocks Holland

Stam tracks Czech striker Koller in Sunday's clash

A knee injury will keep Holland defender Jaap Stam out of his team's next Group D Euro 2000 clash with Denmark in Rotterdam on Friday, it was announced Wednesday.

Stam has recovered from an eye injury sustained during his team's opening 1-0 win over the Czech Republic, but a problem with the adductor muscles in his knee means the Manchester United star will miss the pre-tournament favourite's encounter with Denmark.

Stam also strained his groin in training on Tuesday and took no part in Wednesday morning's session.

Speaking before Stam was officially ruled out, Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard said: "It's just too early to say whether he can or cannot play. I just have to assume not for the time being.

"He has made some progress since yesterday but we'll just have to wait."

Konterman: Stam stand-in

The Dutch medical team shed little light on the condition of the defender's groin, saying the injury was new and was being monitored. Stam has not been admitted to hospital.

It has been a difficult week for the Dutch stopper. On Sunday, he clashed heads with Czech forward Jan Koller and was forced from the field with a cut eye.

Efforts to patch him up left him with four stitches and an impressive black eye.

Stam's replacement is likely to be Bert Konterman, who played out the final 16 minutes against the Czechs.

While wishing Stam a speedy recovery, Konterman said he would relish starting on Friday in front of the Feyenoord fans and against Danish club mate Jon Dahl Tomasson.

It would be his farewell to the Rotterdam crowd as the 29-year-old will join Rangers at the start of next season.