• World Cup

Injury is not serious, says Van Persie

ESPN staff
June 5, 2014
Robin van Persie has been struggling with a knee injury for a few months © Getty Images
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Robin van Persie suffered a groin injury in the Netherlands' friendly victory over Wales, but both he and manager Louis van Gaal insisted the problem was not serious.

Van Persie sparked fresh fears over his fitness ahead of the World Cup when he was withdrawn at half-time in the 2-0 victory at the Amsterdam Arena.

The Manchester United striker had been building his fitness up after a six-week lay-off towards the end of the domestic season with a knee injury.

But national boss Van Gaal and the player both insisted the substitution was precautionary.

"He has a little injury and I think it is better that you don't risk a bigger injury when he plays the second half," Van Gaal said. "I think he made the right decision. It is not an important match. You don't have to risk it.

"His action to give the assist for the first goal was fantastic."

Asked if Van Persie should be fit for the Netherlands' World Cup opener against Spain on June 13, Van Gaal said: "I hope so, and I think it is so."

Van Persie himself said: "I wouldn't call it an injury, I came off as a precaution. It built up during the came so decided it was sensible to come off."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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