Mutu back in Romania squad

Juventus striker Adrian Mutu was named on Friday in Romania's squad to face the Netherlands and Armenia in World Cup qualifiers next month. The former Chelsea forward completes a seven-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine on May 24.

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Image credit: TNT Sports

"Mutu is a key player of our squad and he cannot miss these key matches," Romania coach Victor Piturca told reporters.

"He (Mutu) told me that he is in good shape, he has recovered physically after the ban and is eager to return and play for the national team."

Romania skipper Cristian Chivu also returns following a long-term toe injury.

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Romania, third in the Group One standings with 13 points from seven matches, face leaders the Netherlands in Rotterdam on June 4 and host second-from-bottom Armenia four days later.

Goalkeepers: Bogdan Lobont (Ajax Amsterdam)

Defenders: Flavius Stoican, Cosmin Barcauan, Razvan Rat (all Shakhtar Donetsk), Adrian Iencsi (Spartak Moscow), Cristian Chivu (AS Roma), Pompiliu Stoica (FK Moscow)

Midfielders: Daniel Pancu (Besiktas), Constantin Galca (Almeria), Adrian Mutu (Juventus), Florin Cernat (Dynamo Kiev)

Forwards: Nicolae Mitea (Ajax Amsterdam), Marius Niculae (Sporting Lisbon), Adrian Ilie (FC Zurich), Ciprian Marica (Shakhtar Donetsk).

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