Van Persie back in training

Gunners ace shakes off thigh injury

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 4th June 2008

Van Persie back in training

Van Persie: Back in contention

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Robin van Persie has returned to training with the Dutch squad, but remains a fitness doubt heading into Euro 2008.

The striker was able to join in with his team-mates for the first time this week after finally shaking off a thigh problem.

Holland coach Marco van Basten is delighted to have the talented Arsenal youngster back in the fold, but admits that he may not be ready to face Italy in their European Championship opener on Monday.

Awkward

"Robin trained for the first time in a month with the group," said Van Basten.

"That was, of course, a bit awkward for him. We will see how things go in the next few days.

"After that we will make a decision. Physically he is okay now. But he needs to be back to his old self as soon as possible.

"He can do this quickly because he wasn't out for a very long time."

Strength

Van Persie is understandably keen to be involved against the World Champions, although he admits he is not yet ready for 90 minutes of action.

He said: "I've worked for months with all my strength to be ready for Italy. I think I'm ready. Now the coach has to decide.

"I do lack match fitness of course - it will be difficult to play an entire game - but maybe I can be important to the team in another way."

Satisfied

The 24-year-old revealed that he felt nervous before his recent return to training and is relieved to have come through his first few sessions unscathed.

"I was glad, but also nervous. Luckily all went well," he added.

"(I am) satisfied about how it all went, but I did notice my lungs told me I've been out for a month."