Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has admitted his disappointment that neither Gareth Bale nor Aaron Ramsey will feature for Wales in Wednesday's friendly.

The Dutch welcome Chris Coleman's side to the Amsterdam ArenA as part of their preparations for the World Cup, but Bale and Ramsey are both missing.

Real Madrid's world-record signing Bale is protecting a leg muscle injury which has troubled him in recent weeks, while Arsenal's goalscoring midfielder Ramsey is also being rested.

Soon-to-be Manchester United boss Van Gaal understands the reasoning behind their absence, but is frustrated that Netherlands will not have as stern a test as they could have had ahead of Brazil 2014.

"I have said to my board that they have to insist on playing with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey," Van Gaal told reporters.

"I don't know why, if it is injuries or holidays. When it is a holiday I'm a little bit disappointed but I can understand it, because Bale has had a very difficult and pressured season.

"It's better that we have the best Welsh team because we need resistance and I think without these players Wales are weaker. They want to play the ball... they're not a bad team. But with Bale it's always better, with Ramsey also."

Liverpool's Joe Allen will captain Wales, with Swansea City pair Ashley Williams and Ben Davies also out.