Source: Daily_Mail
Arjen Robben ruled out of opener while Nicklas Bendtner is winning fitness race to face Dutch
Holland's World Cup hopes have been dealt a blow by the news that Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben has been ruled out of his nation's opener against Denmark.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]'Since the final of the Champions League (May 22), Arjen has hardlyplayed,' said Van Marwijk. 'It is illusory to believe that he will beready to face Denmark.[LNB] Differing emotions: Arjen Robben won't feature against Denmark but Nicklas Bendtner is winning his fitness battle ahead of the match[LNB]'Whatever one may say, his injury is serious and I do not know when he can join us.[LNB]'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.'[LNB]However in the opposition camp there was better news as Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner appears to have won his battle to be fit for the match.[LNB]The Arsenal striker has been out of action since May having suffered a groin injury but has been upbeat in recent days about his chances of being fit in time.[LNB]And today the 22-year-old took part in full training, along with team-mate and fellow injury doubt Simon Kjaer.[LNB]'I've been training hard with the physical trainer and I'm one of those with the best heart rate in the squad,' Bendtner said. 'The football side of things shouldn't be any problem either.'[LNB] Robben vows to win fitness race to boost Holland's World Cup hopesRobben joins the World Cup crocks: Dutch fear worst over injured wingerRobben set for swift recovery from injury as scan allays Dutch fearsDenmark boss Olsen can't decide whether to gamble on BendtnerTop of the World! England-based stars are leaving Italy and Spain in the shade [LNB]
