HOENDERLOO, Netherlands, June 27 (Reuters) - Left back Arthur Numan has been ruled out of the Netherlands' Euro 2000 semifinal against Italy on Thursday because of a foot injury and is almost certain to take no further part in the tournament.

A hospital scan revealed on Tuesday that the defender had ruptured a muscle at the bottom of his right foot.

'The doctor said the chance I could play for Thursday was nil,' he said. 'And it's almost impossible I can play the final. So I think at this point the tournament for me is over.'

The defender hurt his foot during the 6-1 quarter-final victory against Yugoslavia on Sunday and has not trained since. He went to hospital for a scan in Amsterdam on Tuesday.

Numan said he would remain with the squad and continue his treatment and hoped to be present at a final involving the Dutch on Sunday.

'It's very difficult to have to drop out at this point,' he said. 'We have the goal to win and I was part of the team. I guess I'm still part. Hopefully I'll be there on Sunday and hopefully Monday and Tuesday for the celebrations if we win.'

Numan's place in the team is likely to go to his Rangers team mate Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Three other players also missed full training on Tuesday because of light injuries - goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, midfielder Phillip Cocu and striker Patrick Kluivert. But the trio are expected to be fit to play on Thursday.

Cocu left the session early while van der Sar and striker Kluivert, who scored a hat-trick against Yugoslavia, just carried out light training.

During the session forward Roy Makaay, who is not part of the Dutch first-choice team, injured his ankle and was forced to leave the field in some pain.