AZ Alkmaar captain Stijn Schaars is not anticipating a lengthy absence after picking up an injury in Saturday's match against Willem II.

Schaars had to be substituted midway through the first half when he complained of pains in his groin.

He told AD Sportwereld: "I felt a cramp in my groin when I put in a cross. It's probably a slight strain, but I don't think it's anything serious."

The midfielder returned to the side at the start of the season after being out for 18 months because of an ankle injury.