Bouhlahrouz to stay with Dutch camp despite death of premature daughter

The child, named Anissa, was born two months prematurely on Wednesday after the Chelsea player's wife, Sabia, was admitted to hospital in Lausanne suffering from complications with the pregnancy.

However, the heartbroken Boulahrouz - an ever present in the group stages - has told manager Marco van Basten he wants to be considered for the game in Basel.

Boulahrouz (l) in action against France's Thierry Henry

Van Basten and the entire Holland squad visited the couple in hospital yesterday and cancelled a media conference as a mark of respect and unity.

'I understand that it is really hard for Khalid and we will have to support him as best we can,' said the Holland boss.

'Still, our focus has to be on the Russia game and that is also what Khalid has told us he wants. Of course, he is always allowed to visit his wife at any time.'

The Dutch FA said in a statement: 'Players and staff of the Dutch team are upset by the death of Anissa, the daughter of Khalid Boulahrouz and his wife, Sabia, who was born prematurely.'

Boulahrouz, 26, who spent the season on loan at Sevilla from Chelsea, returned to training yesterday with his team-mates at the Stade Olympique in Lausanne in between the hospital visits.

Despite the tragedy, van Basten sought to turn his thoughts to the showdown with fellow Dutchman Guus Hiddink.

The Russia boss has reached the knockout stages of a tournament for the fourth time following previous successes with Holland, South Korea and Australia.

'I find it really nice for Guus,' said van Basten. 'After a bit of a difficult start, Russia have started to play very well in this tournament. They are an attack-minded team, with technically-skilled players. But I do think my players can handle things.'