The Netherlands: Robben to miss Oranje opener

Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben has been ruled out of Holland's World Cup opener against Denmark with a hamstring injury. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid man sustained a small tear in his left hamstring towards the end of Saturday's 6-1 warm-up...

Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben has been ruled out of Holland's World Cup opener against Denmark with a hamstring injury.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid man sustained a small tear in his left hamstring towards the end of Saturday's 6-1 warm-up victory over Hungary.

He is hoping intensive physiotherapy will help him play some part in South Africa, but Oranje coach Bert van Marwijk is resigned to being without the 26-year-old for Monday's Group E opener against the Danes in Johannesburg.

"Since the final of the Champions League (May 22), Arjen has hardly played," said Van Marwijk.

"It is illusory to believe that he will be ready to face Denmark.

"Whatever one may say, his injury is serious and I do not know when he can join us.

"The team's goal now is to go as far as possible in the competition to allow Arjen to play with us during this World Cup."

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