Dutch winger Arjen Robben has been ruled out of his team's tournament opener against reigning World Cup holders Italy here on Monday in the Euro 2008 Group C due to a groin injury.
"A medical examination on Saturday proved Argen has a groin stain and the doctor told me it normally takes seven to 10 days to recover but we hope he can do it in seven," coach Marco van Basten told reporters late on Sunday.
The injury-plagued Real Madrid player limped out of their final training session in Lausanne on Saturday and is therefore likely to miss the game against France as well.
Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt, who used to play as a striker, rumored to be the option to start as the replacement of Robben.
Van Basten has already lost Arsenal striker Robin van Persie for their curtain-raiser, while fellow forward Ryan Babel was omitted from the 23-man squad too due to injury. Source: Xinhua
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