Netherlands winger Robben to join squad Saturday
By KARL RITTER, Associated Press
Jun 11, 2010 8:21 AM CDT
Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder sits on a ball during a team training session in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday June 11, 2010. Netherlands are preparing for the upcoming soccer World Cup, where they will play in Group E. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)   (Associated Press)

Injured Netherlands winger Arjen Robben will join the team in South Africa on Saturday.

Coach Bert van Marwijk told reporters Friday that Robben's recovery is "going well," but he was evasive when asked whether the Bayern Munich player would be fit for Monday's Group E opener against Denmark.

"I haven't seen him for a week. We will see tomorrow," van Marwijk said at the Dutch team base in Johannesburg.

Robben, one of the main reasons Bayern won the Bundesliga title and reached the Champions League final this season, has been doubtful for the World Cup since hurting his hamstring a week ago in a friendly against Hungary.

Van Marwijk didn't call in a replacement, betting on Robben to become healthy in time for the tournament. But with plenty of midfield talent on the squad, van Marwijk may choose to rest him for the opener.

Judging by Friday's practice, Rafael van der Vaart could take Robben's place in the lineup. The coach fielded the Real Madrid player and Dirk Kuyt on the wings and Robin van Persie up front in a formation that seemed to suggest Monday's lineup.

Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong took defensive roles in the midfield with playmaker Wesley Sneijder building the attack.

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