Arjen Robben will not be present when Groningen’s squad returns to the training pitch on Monday.
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Robben made the decision to come out of retirement and represent his first club earlier this summer and has been working on his fitness.
However, after tests earlier this week, Groningen’s fitness staff have in consultation with the 36-year-old decided that Robben should miss the first session on Monday.
Speaking on the club’s website, Robben said, “We are all very optimistic and positive. I lead the way. That has not changed, but I had in my head to join the group on Monday. The specialists within the club advised not to do this. I would have liked to show myself with my teammates on Monday, but at the same time it is much more important that I am there at the start of the season than in the first group training.
“We would rather do things two days later that we consider responsible at this stage of working on the comeback, than one day early. I understand that the supporters in particular would have liked to see me on the field on Monday, but as I feel now they will see me in action often enough and that is ultimately the big goal.”
Groningen’s first session will be televised on Monday but will not feature the star attraction just yet.
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