• England v Netherlands

Van Persie a doubt for England encounter

ESPN staff
February 28, 2012
Robin van Persie scored a brilliant goal for Arsenal against Tottenham at the weekend © PA Photos
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Robin van Persie is not a certainty to face England at Wembley on Wednesday, after Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk confirmed the Arsenal man is being troubled by a minor groin problem.

Van Persie has been in sparkling form for Arsenal this season, most recently scoring a wonderful curling effort to drag them level in the 5-2 victory over Tottenham. His presence at Wembley would certainly boost Netherlands as they take on Stuart Pearce's England side.

The Dutch forward has been able to train since joining up with the squad, but he sat out the last 10 minutes of Tuesday's hour-long open training session. It is believed that Arsenal knew of the groin problem before Van Persie departed, but he may have aggravated it during the session.

As a result, he sat out the eight-a-side match at the conclusion of practice, appearing to be in minor discomfort. However, Van Marwijk is hopeful it will not continue to affect the 28-year-old.

"We will have to wait and see but I don't think it's too serious. I am optimistic he will play," Van Marwijk said.

"Robin is in great form. It's a little bit different this season with Robin. He is scoring a lot of goals now. He is now a centre-forward.

"Normally he is a player who plays in combination, with others. He did that with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri but now he plays very deep as a striker. He has the quality to score goals."

Klaas Jan Huntelaar is the man likely to replace Van Persie if he is not deemed fit enough to play for Netherlands on Wednesday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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