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Louis van Gaal forced to use wheelchair after cycling accident and takes Holland training from golf cart

 (ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
(ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Louis van Gaal suffered a hip injury that has temporarily put him in a wheelchair after falling off his bicycle during the Netherlands’ national team camp.

The veteran manager, 70, was cycling near the Oranje team hotel on Sunday when he fell, and was taken to hospital for tests.

The injury forced him to use a golf cart to conduct Monday’s training session ahead of the crunch World Cup qualification meeting with Norway.

Unable to attend his media duties in person, Van Gaal spoke to the media via video link while sat in a wheelchair and confirmed he will be able to take charge of the match in Rotterdam. The Dutch need a draw to seal a place at next year's finals in Qatar.

"Physically I'm not good, but the brain is still working,” he stated. “I'm in a lot of pain, that's why I was in a buggy during training.

"I can still do everything and have done all the preparation that I normally would have."

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, who did appear at the press conference, said the incident was "definitely a shock."

"We are happy that he can lead us and it hasn't impacted much in terms of the preparation. This morning he chaired an important meeting and still guides us. Van Gaal is still keen to make it to the World Cup."

 (ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
(ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Van Gaal said that he would be on the bench on Tuesday and expected the Dutch to win the game and secure top spot in their group.

They could have qualified last Saturday at Montenegro but gave up two late goals and were held 2-2 in a surprise result.

When Van Gaal was coach of AZ Alkmaar 2007, he broke a fibula and an ankle and was forced to coach several training sessions from the seat of a golf cart.

Additional reporting by Reuters.

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