Van Persie to miss Dutch opener

Striker blow for Holland as Robin's ruled out

Last updated: 6th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Van Persie to miss Dutch opener

Van Persie: Italy too early

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Marco van Basten expects Holland's opening Euro 2008 game with Italy to come too soon for Robin van Persie.

Arsenal attacker Van Persie has been battling to recover from a thigh injury in time for Monday's fixture with the world champions.

Van Persie has stepped up his training regime in recent days and is now working alongside his team-mates.

But Dutch coach Van Basten admits he is not likely to gamble on the player's fitness for his side's first match in Group C.

Improvement to come

"Robin is training normally with the squad," said Van Basten.

"His condition is improving from day to day, but it is logical that there is still some improvement to come.

"The Italy match will be too early for him."

Following the game with Italy, Holland meet France on 13th June before facing Romania four days later.