Manchester United forward Memphis Depay has been dropped by his country

Manchester United forward Memphis Depay and Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have been dropped by the Netherlands for their first World Cup 2018 qualifier.

Midfielder Jorrit Hendrix of PSV Eindhoven was the only newcomer named in a 24-man squad for a friendly against Greece next Thursday and a World Cup qualifier in Sweden six days later.

"I have spoken to Memphis and while he feels fit, I've told him I think that it is important that he first concentrates on getting back a spot in the 18-man squad at Manchester United," coach Danny Blind said on Friday.

"Hopefully, then he gets back in picture for our next internationals in October and thereafter."

Blind has not written off the chances of striker Robin van Persie returning to the side despite leaving him out of the squad once again.

"Maybe he will improve under the tutelage of Dick Advocaat," Blind said, referring to the former Netherlands coach who was named last week as manager of Van Persie's Turkish club Fenerbahce.