AMSTERDAM (AP) — Netherlands winger Arjen Robben’s hamstring injury isn’t as severe as initially feared, and he is likely to join his teammates at the World Cup in South Africa, local media report.
Robben hurt his left hamstring during the Netherlands’ 6-1 win over Hungary in a friendly in Amsterdam on Saturday. The rest of the team arrived in South Africa on Sunday.
“I have decided not to summon any substitute for Arjen,” Dutch state broadcaster NOS quoted coach Bert van Marwijk as saying. “I want to give him every chance to still participate in the World Cup.”
The report said it was impossible to know when Robben will be fit enough to play. It said he would likely travel to South Africa later this week.
The Netherlands’ first match is against Denmark on June 14, and Van Marwijk can make injury replacements until June 13.
