Japan v Holland - Arjen Robben will not face Japan, confirms Holland coach
Arjen Robben(credit:
Wikipedia)
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has revealed winger Arjen Robben is eight days away from playing at the World Cup.
Robben sat out the 2-0 win over Denmark as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, and van Marwijk admits he will not risk the Bayern Munich star against Japan on Saturday.
“He is coming along well, but he is not ready to play for an entire game and it could be another eight days,” he said.
“I have to talk with our medical staff about Arjen, but I wouldn’t expect him to be at his top until next week.”
And Van Marwijk, whose team saw off the Danes comfortably, is happy to have the luxury of not having to gamble with Robben’s fitness.
“We beat Denmark 2-0, so I can hardly say we missed him,” van Marwijk continued.
“We have speed and creativity in our selection. Arjen is an exceptional player, he is creative and super-fast so I am pleased we have him in South Africa.
“It does create some reassurance that we can call him up when the time is right.”
Holland are 7/19 favourites with Coral to make it two wins from two games this weekend, with Japan 10/1 (StanJames) following their shock win over Cameroon on Monday. The draw is 7/2 with Bet365, SkyBet, Victor Chandler, Paddy Power and bodog.