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Robin van Persie sits on a ball during training on May 20. Dutch duo van Persie and experienced defender Mario Melchiot are giving The Netherlands cause for concern just a week before they have to name their squad for Euro 2008 as both could only train lightly on Wednesday. |
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NOORDWIJK AAN ZEE, The Netherlands (AFP) - Dutch duo Robin van Persie and experienced defender Mario Melchiot are giving The Netherlands cause for concern just a week before they have to name their squad for Euro 2008 as both could only train lightly on Wednesday.
Dutch coach Marco van Basten - a Euro winner in 1988 - has said that he will not take anyone to the finals which begin on June 7, and is being co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland, who would not be fit for the first match which is on June 9 against world champions Italy in Berne.
Van Persie is recovering from a thigh problem, the latest of a series of injuries that afflicted him during the season with Arsenal, but insists that he is feeling no pain and he would be ready for the first match, though, he added he didn't know whether he would be in top form.
Like on the first day of this training camp van Persie did some light running along with Melchiot, but apart from the rest of the squad.
Melchiot, who plays for Premiership side Wigan having had spells with Chelsea and Birmingham City, is complaining of an ankle ligament problem and said he preferred to take it easy during training.
The Dutch are in the Group of Death at the finals for aside from Italy they have also got 2006 World Cup finalists France and dark horses Romania.
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sefacancan May 22nd, 2008 02:04
İt would be one of the biggest problem of dutch side playing without V.Persie. Obviously he is the new star of oranges. On the other hand Nistelrooy s recovered from his injury and they have also many skilful attacking players like huntelaar,kuijt as well. Certainly V.Persie would be a big loss if he doesnt recover till opening match though they have very strong squad. Of course as a soccer fan, it would be pleasure watching him. Lets hope for his return