Fears for Netherlands as Robin van Persie goes off injured against Wales
Louis van Gaal hoping striker's groin problem is not serious
Robin van Persie handed the Netherlands a fitness worry ahead of the World Cup after the Manchester United striker picked up a groin problem in Wednesday’s 2-0 friendly win over Wales in Amsterdam.
Van Persie appeared to be in pain and held his groin when he left the pitch at half-time and Dutch coach Louis van Gaal took no risks over the fitness of his star striker as the 30-year-old was immediately replaced by Jeremain Lens.
However, Van Gaal, whose 23-man squad fly out to Rio de Janiero on Thursday, is hopeful that the problem will be nothing serious.
“It looks a slight injury, but it is not for nothing that you go off,” said the coach.
“He has to wait until the doctor sees him. It was better that you don’t risk a bigger injury by playing him in the second half as it was not the most important match.