Robin van Persie starts against Austria

March 25th, 2008 | by: Jan | Comments(3)

Robin van Persie will start tonight in the friendly against Austria. The Arsenal striker, who missed the last internationals due to injury, played in a starter’s position on the last training.

Although he misses rhythm, Van Basten prefers to see Van Persie play over Babel. Partly because he wants to see Van Persie in his new system and partly to allow Van Persie to gain rhythm quickly. The team manager will make two other replacements versus the Croatia lineup. Andre Ooijer, back from injury, will replace Mario Melchiot as right back and Feyenoord goalie Henk Timmer will replace Edwin van der Sar and Stekelenburg. Van der Sar wants to focus on the Man United fixtures to come (EPL and CL).

This is the line-up, as presumed, for tonight: Timmer; Ooijer, Heitinga, Mathijsen and De Cler; De Zeeuw and Van Bronckhorst; Van Persie, Sneijder and Van der Vaart; Huntelaar.

According to Marco van Basten Madrid winger Arjen Robben does not need to fear to be left out for the EC. “If he’s fit, he will be an important contributor,” the future Ajax-coach said.

Van Basten responded to the rumors that Robben would be unhappy about this decision. “I spoke to him on Monday and explained my ideas. He was disappointed alright, but he understood the whys. And I understand his feelings, but I really feel he needs to focus on getting and in particular staying fit.”

“Robben played 30 minutes after his last injury. That’s why I don’t need him now. I told him so and he could see my motivation.”