Van Gaal on Netherlands' preparation for Senegal test
Netherlands star Virgil van Dijk said he was sad to learn that former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane would miss the World Cup due to injury, even if it will boost Dutch hopes.
Monday's match at the Al Thumama Stadium in the Qatari capital marks the Netherlands' return to the World Cup after they failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, who is back in charge after taking the team to third place in 2014, pointed out that his side are also handicapped by the absence of Memphis Depay.
The Barcelona forward, 28, who has scored 42 goals in 81 games for his country, including 12 in qualifying for the Qatar World Cup, has not played since September.
"This is the match that sets the tone for the rest of the tournament and Senegal are the African champions so they are not just any old opponent," said Van Gaal.
"I think that Mane is an extraordinary player. I wanted him at Manchester United, when he was still at Southampton, so I am a fan of Mane.
"He can break open a match and I would say that Senegal will really miss him, but the same applies to us. We will really miss our top scorer."