Dutch Preparing To Start World Cup Without Arjen Robben

Bert van Marwijk is moving forward under the assumption that right wing Arjen Robben will not be fit for the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Denmark. Thankfully for the coach, he manages one of the best collections of talent in the world, and while the loss of a player at Robben’s level will almost always see a corresponding drop, the Netherlands are equipped to deal with the absence.

In this case, being equipped means having Rafael van der Vaart. With Arjen Robben having incurred a left hamstring injury in Holland’s last match, the Real Madrid attacker is likely to assume a spot on the left wing, with normal left wing start Dirk Kuyt slid over to the right.

How long the Dutch will have to go with that lineup is the question. Van Marwijk look a measured stance when discussing Robben’s potential availability: