Arjen Robben’s club and country will hold talks to discuss his injury comeback, and what that might mean for the remaining Euro qualifiers.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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Debuting as captain of a failing Netherlands side, Arjen Robben lasted less than thirty minutes before a calf injury forced him off in the 1-0 defeat to Iceland earlier this month. Having been in electric form for large parts of last season, the end of his season was marred by months of injury, first a stomach muscle tear, followed promptly by a calf issue.
Bayern consider Robben an integral part of their side, and should he be marked fit before the final October qualifiers, Bayern Munich will likely try to convince the KNVB to allow the winger rest, as opposed to risk further injury while on international duty.
Whether or not the KNVB will abide remains to be seen. While qualification is not impossible, it is up to Turkey to lose points to make way for the Netherlands to a third place play-off. With an easy game against Kazakhstan followed by a much more difficult row against the Czech Republic, Holland will need to ensure they have the strongest team possible.
While a fit Robben would undoubtedly by number one on the team sheet, an ailing Robben may need to make way for a younger, fitter, future star.
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I'm a digital/social marketer out of Chicago. I grew up loving Dutch football - total football is the only way to play. I support PSV in the Eredivisie, and whatever team has the most Dutch guys on it in any other league. Hup Holland Hup!
