Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has pulled out of Holland's squad for the international friendly against Australia this Saturday. The Gunners talisman has decided to stay home with his wife who is expecting a child and will therefore miss the clash with the Socceroos in Sydney.

Former Blackburn Rovers defender Andre Ooijer, who is currently with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, is in the same boat as van Persie and will also miss the trip downunder.

The Socceroos will then take on Oman in an Asian Cup qualifier on Wednesday in Melbourne following the weekend's match against the number three nation in world football.