 |
|
|
Dear fans,
Robin van Persie will be out longer than expected. After a new scan and study in hospital, it was discovered that three of the four ligaments in his right ankle were ruptured in the friendly international game between Holland and Italy. He will be operated in the next few days. Van Persie is expected to be out for another four months.
This is Robin’s third major injury. He was enjoying a fantastic period with Arsenal. A great run has been stopped for the time being by one kick in a friendly international match. It’s a difficult time for him and we want to give him some positive reactions from his fans. You can leave a message for him in this guestbook. We also want to surprise him with some messages from (former) teammates and managers. You can sign the guestbook in Dutch or English till Christmas. Click HERE to go to the guestbook.
Thanks for leaving a message,
The RVP Team
|
|
Robin Van Persie will be out for longer than expected.
After a new scan and study in hospital, it was discovered that three of the four ligaments in his right ankle were ruptured in the friendly international game between Holland and Italy.
The Arsenal striker had his ankle put in plaster yesterday [Friday] and will be operated on by one of the world’s most renowned ankle specialists very soon. Van Persie is expected to be out for another four months.
During his time with the Dutch national team, and shortly after the tackle by Giorgio Chiellini in Pescara, doctors diagnosed that Van Persie had only a tear in one of the ligaments in his right ankle. He would be out for six weeks.
The healing of that kind of injury could be speeded up, according to his Dutch team-mate Orlando Engelaar and Van Persie’s former team mate at PSV Eindhoven, Danko Lazovic, if he would use the skills of Mariana Kovacevic.
The player could not know the damage in his right ankle was more severe. “If I had known at the time what I know now, I would have been operated [on] immediately,’’ Van Persie says in his home in Rotterdam, where he sits with his leg up and his ankle in plaster. “We have all been steered in the wrong direction.’’
However the Dutch international does not regret his visit to Kovacevic.
He says: “In the area of torn muscles and partly torn ligaments she has treated players in the majority of cases with success. A number of Liverpool and Chelsea players have all benefited from her treatments. They were all back on the pitch in a very short time.
“As I was enjoying a fantastic period with Arsenal and the first official diagnosis from the doctors was that I would be out for six weeks, I wanted to bring that period back to three or four weeks.
“But the ligaments in my ankle were completely ruptured. That’s why the treatment in Serbia, we know now, never had the chance to be successful from the start.
“I have never wanted to go for alternative medical help before. Normally I am too cool for that kind of thing.
“But because I wanted to grab every opportunity to get fit again and to be back on the pitch with Arsenal, I decided to have a go. If it does not help me, it won’t harm me either. That was my motto.
“I had the treatment methods checked intensively before I went out there. I demanded to know if there was any way it could do any damage. It couldn’t. Which is why I went.
“A lot has been said and written about it. But the method of treatment in Serbia is not a bizarre thing. I did not have anything injected in my body. The treatment was solely on the surface.’’
Van Persie says he did underestimate the impact of his visit to Serbia. “People say I should have kept it quiet. But because I always want to be honest and I felt as if I had nothing to hide, I wanted to be open about it.
“I was in continuous contact with the medical staff at Arsenal, with whom I have an excellent relationship. In fact, I admire our medical people at the club for giving me the chance to work on a really fast return into the team. A lot of other people made comments without having any knowledge of the treatment methods in Serbia.’’
Van Persie says he understands the curiosity after the injury moment in the friendly against Italy. He is the star striker of the Netherlands and one of the main attackers at Arsenal.
“But I was surprised by the hype and some of the bizarre comments. All those people forget I only had one goal with all this: I wanted to get back in the team at Arsenal as quick as possible.’’
Van Persie now knows he needs to be patient.
“It is so frustrating to be out for months. I was having a super season with the team. I had never felt as strong and powerful as this year. Apart from, I think, two matches, I either scored or made goals in all the games we played this season.
“I was getting so strong, that I felt nobody could stop me anymore. That is the greatest feeling you can have as a player.
“It is such a pity that great run has been stopped for the time being by one kick in a friendly international match. It is a real shame for me, for the team and for the fans of Arsenal.’’
Van Persie hopes he can still play a major role in Arsenal’s season. The team, he feels, deserve a trophy. “I want to wish them luck against Chelsea this weekend. I hope the boys keep believing in themselves. I am absolutely convinced they will keep improving and keep the good form of the last few months going.’’
Robin says he feels supported by the positive reactions he has received since damaging his ankle.
“In Serbia complete strangers came up to me to wish me well. In London, the same thing. In Amsterdam, at the AMC hospital, everyone told me I had been so unlucky. People tell me they want to enjoy watching me play again soon for Arsenal. That has really lifted my spirit in a difficult time.’’
The article is translated from an interview in Saturday's AD Sportwereld.
www.arsenal.com
|
|
On Saturday morning, Arsenal Football Club issued the following statement in regard to Robin Van Persie.
“Robin Van Persie returned to Arsenal on November 22nd following an ankle injury sustained whilst on international duty with Holland. The injury was expected to keep him out of action for between four and six weeks.
“Upon his return, the Arsenal medical team conducted a thorough review of his scans, his early injury management and the treatment he had received. Having scrutinised these in detail and assessed the response of his ankle, the Club’s medical team concluded that further investigation and opinion was required.
“Advice was sought from the leading ankle specialist Mr Niek van Dijk, who confirmed that more extensive damage had been suffered than was first diagnosed. In order to repair his ankle, Robin will undergo surgery next week in Amsterdam to reconstruct the ligaments. The Club’s medical team anticipate that a full recovery will take between four and five months.”
www.arsenal.com
|
|
The smile may be a clue to a job well done. Sportsmail’s exclusive picture of Robin van Persie leaving the clinic in Belgrade where he has been having controversial treatment using a placenta suggests he is on the comeback trail.
Arsenal’s injured striker spent all of Wednesday afternoon having his damaged ankle ligaments tended by Serb housewife Mariana Kovacevic, using her unorthodox method of massaging placenta into the affected area.
Barclays Premier League players are rushing to Belgrade. Liverpool’s Glen Johnson is the latest to arrive for treatment, while his Anfield team-mate Fabio Aurelio is also due to see Mrs Kovacevic.
Van Persie, who was originally ruled out for three months after a tackle in Holland’s friendly against Italy last Saturday, still left with a limp.
A thigh muscle tear suffered by Liverpool winger Albert Riera has already improved after treatment here.
Arsenal fans will hope for the same for Van Persie.
www.dailymail.co.uk
|
|
Arsène Wenger says he is not a fan of the novel treatment Robin Van Persie is undergoing in Serbia but is happy for the striker to receive it.
The Dutchman suffered ankle ligament damage in an international friendly against Italy on Saturday and has been given a course of treatment that involves placenta fluid being dripped onto his injured ankle.
After the initial scare that Van Persie could be out for the remainder of the season, Wenger was relieved to hear it would only be a six-week layoff and despite his scepticism he has no objections to the treatment.
"I am not a fan," said the Arsenal manager, "but also I am not a doctor.
"I have seen a few bizarre treatments. I could tell you a few stories about the treatments; I have enough to write a book on them.
"But I respect the individual freedom of everybody to be treated how they want to be treated.
"Since I have been in sport, when I have any guy who is injured, their first reflex is to go to their own country to be treated.
"Robin is exactly the same - most of the time he is treated first in Holland, because that is where he feels the most comfortable.
"They had told me he could be out for the rest of the season. But it did not need surgery; the positive news we had is that he will be out for four to six weeks. We count six because we are a bit pessimistic."
www.arsenal.com
|
|
Robin van Persie flew to Belgrade on Monday for revolutionary new treatment on his ankle injury which involves being massaged with fluid from a human placenta.
If successful it could mean that the striker is out of action for less than three weeks, according to sources at the Dutch Football Association.
Arsenal were, naturally, playing down such surprising optimism and set a recovery time of around six weeks for the striker who suffered ankle ligament damage after landing awkwardly following a challenge by Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Saturday's friendly in Pescara.
Even so, that timescale represents far better news for the player and club than was initially predicted after it was feared Van Persie had broken his right ankle and torn ligaments in the game.
Van Persie remains in the care of the Dutch FA until after Wednesday, when he is officially released from international duty, but Arsenal have been fully informed of the treatment he is receiving after he underwent X-rays and scans in Rotterdam on Sunday evening.
Arsenal physiotherapist Colin Lewin has decided that the massage therapy treatment in Serbia cannot cause further damage although there is scepticism as to whether it will speed up Van Persie's recovery. But even if it provides only a psychological fillip to the player, it will be of some help.
Also, Arsenal cannot put an accurate time frame on when Van Persie will be ready again for first-team action until they have properly assessed the player themselves. He will return to London later this week.
Van Persie revealed to a Dutch television programme on Sunday that he was travelling to Serbia for treatment. "I will fly to the Balkans to meet with a female doctor who helped [PSV Eindhoven midfielder] Danko Lazovic," the 26 year-old said.
"She is vague about her methods but I know she massages you using fluid from a placenta. I am going to try. It cannot hurt and, if it helps, it helps. I have been in contact with Arsenal physiotherapists and they have let me do it."
The Dutch have previously sent Orlando Engelaar to Belgrade for the treatment, after what also appeared to be a bad injury, and the midfielder was able to return after less than three weeks out of action.
www.telegraph.co.uk
|
|
It's Shaqueel's 3th birthday today. We wish him and his family a happy day with lots of presents!
|
|
Robin Van Persie was stretchered off during Holland's international friendly with Italy in Pescara on Saturday.
The Arsenal striker suffered ankle ligament damage after 10 minutes of the match when he landed awkwardly on his right ankle following a challenge from Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Following the care given to Van Persie by the Dutch FA, he will travel back to London this week and continue his treatment with the Arsenal medical team at London Colney.
Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks.
We wish Robin a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him playing again soon.
www.arsenal.com
|
|
BBC gave an update on Robin's injury:
Van Persie, 26, will have scans in Amsterdam on Sunday to determine the damage amid fears the joint is broken.
"The ankle ligaments are definitely torn," a Dutch Football Association official told BBC Sport.
"After the match our medical staff did not mention a break in the bone but the doctors will be able to tell us for sure. It does not look too good."
An Arsenal spokesman confirmed that Van Persie's ankle would be examined in the Netherlands on Sunday evening to establish the full extent of his injury.
He will be treated in Amsterdam by renowned ankle specialist Professor Niek van Dijk, who has previously worked with Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Michael Owen.
Chiellini's challenge left Van Persie rolling around in agony but, after being examined by medical staff at the Adriatico Stadium, he flew home with the Netherlands squad and spent the night with his family in Rotterdam.
|
|
Arsenal are facing a major setback after reports in Holland claimed striker Robin van Persie has sustained serious ankle ligament damage while on international duty.
Van Persie was taken off on a stretcher just 15 minutes into Holland's friendly 0-0 draw against Italy after being brought down by Giorgio Chiellini while chasing a through ball. The tackle left Van Persie writhing in pain, grasping his right ankle.
Coach Bert van Marwijk suggested after the game that the striker had torn ligaments, but said further tests on Sunday would reveal the extent of the damage.
If the news is confirmed the injury could keep Van Persie sidelined for up to three months, and is a huge blow to Arsenal's title aspirations. So far this season he has scored seven league goals, helping them to second spot in the Premier League behind Chelsea.
www.guardian.co.uk
|
|
Italy and Netherlands were both far from impressive in Pescara and had to settle for a goalless draw in Saturday's international friendly.
The first chance of the game was for the Italians after seven minutes of play. Gilardino was found unmarked as he broke the offside trap, but he couldn't get into a good position and his final shot hit the outside of the net.
Netherlands dominated play and Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt came close to opening the score after about 20 minutes. The former Feyenoord star got the ball in a dangerous position and tried his luck from the edge of the area. However, Kuyt aimed just wide and the chance went begging.
Debutant Antonio Candreva dribbles past Van Bommel after a corner kick for the Azzurri before he fired a shot on goal that went wide of the Dutch goal.
Genoa winger Raffaele Palladino took a nice shot on goal from the edge of the area after some sustained pressure from the Azzurri halfway the first half only to see his shot comfortably saved by Holland shot stopper Maarten Stekelenburg.
The Oranje got a free kick in a dangerous position about ten minutes before the half-time whistle and Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart stepped up to take it. His shot deflected off the head of Palladino, but Gianluigi Buffon was alert and prevented the opener.
The hosts got a huge chance to break the deadlock five minutes later. A corner kick by Pirlo found Palladino alone in the area, but his touch from close range somehow went over the bar.
Holland started the second half the better side of the two and could have opened the score after 52 minutes. Van Der Vaart beat his man and played a great pass for Nigel de Jong, who tried a volley from the edge of the area. Nevertheless, his powerful shot was deflected out.
Gross was found in acres of space on the left wing at the hour mark before he sent in a good cross from Mauro Camoranesi. Nevertheless, the Juventus man failed to get his shot on target and the score remained blank.
John Heitinga could have added his name to the score sheet halfway the second half after a corner kick, but the Everton stopper aimed his header too high and squandered the chance.
Italy scored ten minutes before the final whistle after a goalmouth scramble following a cross by Pirlo from the right. However, Pazzini's final touch was with his hand and the goal didn't stand.
Domenico Criscito played a good long pass for Giuseppe Rossi in the dying minutes of the game. The Villarreal star tried to round the keeper but he got into an impossible position and the ball went out.
Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Chiellini, Cannavaro, Grosso (Criscito 80), Pirlo, Candreva (Montolivo 77), Palombo (Biondini 71), Camoranesi (Marchionni 87), Gilardino (Pazzini 77), Palladino (Rossi 56).
Booked: Chiellini, Grosso.
Netherlands: Stekelenburg, Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Van Bronckhorst, Van Bommel, De Jong, Kuyt, Van der Vaart (Afellay 76), Elia (Babel 72), Van Persie (Huntelaar 15).
Booked: De Jong, Van Bommel.
Att: 17,134
Ref: Circhetta
www.goal.com
|
|
Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk is considering moving Arsenal forward Robin van Persie into a more central role.
Despite scoring seven goals in the Premier League this season, the 26-year-old Dutchman believes he is not quite comparable to Liverpool's Fernando Torres or Chelsea's Didier Drogba.
Van Persie feels his style is more a combination of a traditional target man and a supporting striker.
He told Voetbal International: "I don't see myself as a true out-and-out striker. Guys likes Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba, they are real killers. I feel I play between a target striker and a supporting striker. I am a combination of both.
"In the league I have now contributed seven assists and I am just as proud of these as the seven goals I have scored. I find it crucial to be effective in both spheres for the team."
Van Marwijk once labelled Van Persie as a troublemaker during the pair's time together at Feyenoord, but the manager now believes the striker can play through the middle. The Oranje boss said: "I've spoken to Robin about it and it's all about what's best for the team.
"There's a big chance that Robin is going to play as a striker for Holland from now on, as he's doing a fantastic job for Arsenal and we are not blind to this in Holland."
Van Persie added: "I am still developing in that position but I know I can play there if the coach needs me."
www.goal.com
|
|
It's a simple picture but it tells one hell of a story. A tale of teenage temptation, human weakness and wasted talent.
An ordinary snapshot that champions burning ambition, mental strength and total dedication.
Yet most people wouldn't give it a second glance.
It's a photograph of a kids' under-14s football team.
But to Robin van Persie, it is a compelling lesson in life.
A powerful reminder of just how much the Arsenal star has achieved - and also of how close he came to throwing it all away.
Van Persie said: "My life could easily have been completely different.
"I came from a very rough neighbourhood in Rotterdam where there were so many cultures all mixed together.
"I was one of the only white Dutch guys there - my friends were from Africa, Surinam, Morocco, Turkey.
"And, of course, there were distractions. Like when I was younger and was in a shop buying candy - I would pay for one but then take another one.
"I did that sort of thing here and there. We were kids and we all did it. But when I got to 14, I found myself at a crossroads in my life.
"I could have easily gone astray.
"I saw people doing stupid things - my team-mates, my colleagues, my friends.
"For instance, my friends tried to make me have a drink, have a cigarette and stuff - well, you know, it was Holland.
"But I was always more interested in football, that was what I wanted to do more than anything.
"So I never did those things.
"I never went to that dark side. It would have been easy to have done it - half the team was doing it, most of my friends were doing it. But I did not.
"I just felt it was not right to smoke, to drink, when you are just 14. Everyone told me to try it but I always said 'no'.
"And the other day I looked at a picture of my under-14s football team and I looked at the ones who were doing those things and also at the ones who weren't.
"And do you know what? The ones who did it - none of them made it!"
Van Persie, 26, pauses for a moment, clearly still amazed at the significance of the photograph.
He's not gloating, he's not moralising, he's not drawing any deep and meaningful conclusions - he just makes the observation.
And don't think that the Dutchman is some goody-goody who has never strayed.
He has, but van Persie says he has learned from his mistakes and become a better person.
One shameful incident from his youth haunts the father-of-two.
An experience that he acknowledges was a turning point in his life - the day he and two friends attacked a small class-mate and beat him up.
Key moment
Van Persie confessed: "There was one guy in my class who was a real pain in the ass. I got together with two of my friends and we gave him a real lesson.
"It felt really good at the time because he deserved it, because he was such a bad guy.
"But when I went home I felt bad. Really bad.
"Yes, the guy was a pain but he was weak while the three of us were strong. Any one of us could easily have taken him one on one. It was wrong and although I was just 14, it proved a big turning point for me. I made a real change in myself so it was a key moment, an important moment.
"That terrible thing gave me such a bad feeling that I never picked on weaker people again.
"After that I stood up for the smaller guys, the kids who were weak and who were teased.
"I just don't like people being bullied - picked on for no reason."
And that's why these days van Persie restricts himself to "bullying" opposing defenders.
And the only things he wants to "nick" are the European Cup and the Premier League title.
The Arsenal striker has hit the target eight times this season.
And he says there's more to come - and silverware, too.
He said: "So far I have only won two trophies at Arsenal - the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
"That's not enough and I would hate to finish my career having won only those here.
"I desperately want to win the Premier League and the Champions League with Arsenal and I truly believe that's possible.
"But... I get the chance to play with the likes of Fabregas, Arshavin, Eduardo, Walcott, Nasri and Rosicky - great players who play a beautiful game.
"Then I watch some teams on TV and think: 'Oh my God, this is so ugly!'
"That helps me realise how special it is to be at a club like this. I want to win it all with Arsenal."
Now that would be sweet...
www.newsoftheworld.co.uk
|
|
Arsenal moved into second place in the Premier League after dismantling Wolves with another fine attacking display.
The Gunners were a touch fortunate with their opener as Ronald Zubar turned a Cesc Fabregas corner into his own goal.
And Eduardo's chip went in off Jody Craddock's head to make it 2-0 before Robin van Persie's exquisite touch set up Fabregas to score a classy third.
Andrey Arshavin struck with a low shot from the edge of the area before Craddock headed in a late consolation.
The result means Arsenal leapfrog Manchester United, who play leaders Chelsea on Sunday, and it also leaves Wolves in the bottom three.
For Arsenal the signs are growing that they can make a real challenge for the title this season, but Wolves are set to face a battle to stay in the top flight.
Wolves' biggest problem is their lack of a goal threat as the first 15 minutes of this match demonstrated.
Playing a direct brand of football and hustling Arsenal into errors, the hosts looked to gain an advantage as they racked up the set-pieces.
But Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake missed good chances with headers from corners, while Christophe Berra misdirected his header from a free-kick.
The hosts' start might have given boss Mick McCarthy hope that he could mastermind only his second victory over Arsenal - and Wolves' first since 1979.
But 20 minutes into the game, Arsenal served warning they were about to step through the gears as an interchange between Abou Diaby and Arshavin almost opened up Wolves.
Diaby was forced off injured shortly after and was replaced by Alex Song, who had been rested with Aaron Ramsey drafted in.
Yet Arsenal's misfortune soon turned on its head when Fabregas' corner came off Zubar's thigh and went into his own goal.
It served to settle Arsenal, and have the opposite effect on Wolves.
Ramsey headed straight at Wayne Hennessey, and then the Welshman over-hit a pass that would have played in Eduardo as the visitors took control.
Wolves were opened up again as they committed far too many men forward, and at the end of a rapid counter-attack Eduardo's shot clipped Craddock to leave Hennessey stranded as the ball went over his head.
With McCarthy's men still reeling, Arsenal carved out a superb third, when Bacary Sagna's cross was brilliantly laid off by Van Persie for Fabregas to slot home.
Almost inevitably it led to a subdued period after the break as Wolves looked to regroup, while Arsenal stroked the ball around with little urgency.
Then an injection of pace from Arshavin saw him test Hennessey with a stinging shot.
And from the resultant corner, the Russian rifled in after Hennessey had punched the cross away.
Eduardo almost added a fifth goal but was denied by Hennessey who did well to smother the striker's low effort.
More fluid approach play carved out another chance for Arsenal as Van Persie pulled the ball back for Fabregas but the Spaniard blazed over.
Instead it was Wolves who were to score the next goal, as Craddock thumped in a header from a corner.
Wolverhampton
* 01 Hennessey
* 05 Stearman
* 06 Craddock
* 16 Berra
* 23 Zubar
* 04 Edwards (Mancienne 80)
* 08 Henry
* 20 Milijas yellow card (Jarvis 74)
* 35 Castillo (Kightly 65)
* 09 Ebanks-Blake yellow card
* 29 Doyle
Substitutes
* 13 Hahnemann,
* 27 Mancienne,
* 07 Kightly,
* 15 Halford,
* 17 Jarvis,
* 10 Keogh,
* 33 Maierhofer
Arsenal
* 01 Almunia
* 03 Sagna
* 05 Vermaelen
* 10 Gallas yellow card
* 28 Gibbs yellow card
* 02 Diaby (Song Billong 24)
* 04 Fabregas
* 16 Ramsey
* 23 Arshavin yellow card (Nasri 74)
* 09 Eduardo (Rosicky 70)
* 11 Van Persie
Substitutes
* 24 Mannone,
* 06 Senderos,
* 18 Silvestre,
* 27 Eboue,
* 07 Rosicky,
* 08 Nasri,
* 17 Song Billong
Goals: Zubar 0-1 (og) '28, Craddock 0-2 (og) '36, Fabregas 0-3 '45, Arshavin 0-4 '66, Craddock 1-4 '89
Ref: Bennett
Att: 28,937
www.bbc.co.uk
|
|
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has scooped the Barclays Player of the Month award for October.
Dutch hitman was rewarded with the Barclays accolade after scintillating month that saw the 26-year old score five goals and set up another two as the Gunners went through the month unbeaten.
Van Persie notched up his first goal in the 6-2 win over Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates Stadium, drilling a low shot beyond Paul Robinson after fine work from Cesc Fabregas.
This was then followed by the opening goal in the 3-1 win at home to Birmingham City. The flying Dutchman was again instrumental in the 2-2 draw at West Ham United, scoring the opener before delivering an inch-perfect corner for William Gallas to nod in a second for the Gunners.
Van Persie completed his impressive month by netting a brace in the 3-0 victory over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, taking him to seven Barclays Premier League goals for the season.
This is the second time that he has won the award, having previously claimed the prize in November 2005. The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.
We want to congratulate Robin with this amazing price. He definitely deserves it!
www.premierleague.com
|
|
Robin van Persie could be deployed as a central striker for the Netherlands in friendlies against Italy and Paraguay later this month, coach Bert van Marwijk said on Friday.
Van Persie has played centrally at the tip of the front three for Arsenal this season but performed mainly as an attacking midfielder on the right flank for the Dutch during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
"We have discussed it extensively among the technical staff but it also is important that the players around him function well," Van Marwijk told a news conference after announcing a 23-men squad for the matches against Italy in Pescara on November 14 and Paraguay in Heerenveen four days later.
"In my opinion he is not an old fashioned centre forward."
Dirk Kuyt was the first choice as central striker during the 2010 qualifiers but at Liverpool he is used predominantly on the right wing, while Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is not a first choice for new club AC Milan and has yet to score after becoming surplus to requirements at Real Madrid in the close season.
www.nytimes.com
|
|
Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel was today recalled to the Netherlands squad for the friendlies against Italy and Paraguay.
Van Bommel has missed the last four matches through injury but was included by coach Bert van Marwijk.
Ibrahim Afellay, Nigel de Jong, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Gregory van der Wiel also return after sitting out last month's goalless draw against Australia in Sydney.
Netherlands take on world champions Italy in Pescara on November 14 before hosting Paraguay in Heerenveen four days later.
Ibrahim Afellay (PSV), Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Mark van Bommel (Bayern München), Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Bayern München), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Eljero Elia (HSV), Orlando Engelaar (PSV), John Heitinga (Everton), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Joris Mathijsen (HSV), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern München), Stijn Schaars (AZ), Wesley Sneijder (Internazionale), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Piet Velthuizen (Vitesse), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax) and Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax).
www.fifa.com
|
|
Arsene Wenger is confident he has the Premier League's finest striker at his disposal, having paid tribute to in-form Robin van Persie.
The Dutchman has scored eight times already this season as Arsenal have made an impressive start to the campaign.
After putting a succession of injuries behind him, van Persie is showing the type of form that has drawn favourable comparisons with rival marksmen.
Wenger feels van Persie's all-round play, his ability to create as well as score goals, gives him the edge over the likes of Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Wayne Rooney.
"For me Robin is the best striker in the league at the moment, because he is a great link player, and that's what I like first," said Wenger.
"We play a collective game so it's very important that the target man in our team links well with our other players.
"I wouldn't swap him for anyone. He knows how we play, we play together for four or five years now with all the team and everybody knows the movement of each other.
"He has adapted to our style and is suited to our style, like (Didier) Drogba is suited to the Chelsea style.
"I have a huge respect for Drogba, he is a top class player, he is a fighter, he scores in the big games. In every single big game he scores. I know what kind of player he is."
www.skysports.com
|
|
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is excited rather than daunted by the number of crucial games the Gunners face in the next few weeks.
The Netherlands international believes that Arsene Wenger's men are about to enter a key phase of the season. The striker is energised by the prospect, and can't wait for the next game to come around.
"It is a very crucial time for us now," he said, according to Press Association Sport.
"Against Wolves, it is a must-win game for us, given that Chelsea and Man United are playing each other.
"After the (international) break we have Sunderland away and then Chelsea, so it will be a tough month, but I am looking forward to it."
Van Persie is also confident that the Gunners can maintain their impressive form. Morale is high at the Emirates, and he feels that teams will have to work hard to overcome a team who are enjoying working together.
"We are looking sharp at the moment," he added.
"Everyone wants to play together and as long as we are enjoying ourselves together we can continue like this.
"We have one game in hand and are two points off Chelsea so if they lose points we will be in a good position.
"One of the top two will lose points this weekend, so if we want to challenge for the title we have to win."
www.goal.com
|
|
A few days ago, Arsene Wenger said that Robin van Persie is a mixture from Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry. Van Persie himself says that it's to early to compare him with the two Arsenal legends.
"I'm honoured, but I'm still not at the level that they've reached and I haven't accomplished what they have. Bergkamp played 11 seasons for Arsenal. He won 3 championships and a few FA Cup's. He scored a lot of goals and assists. He's one of the Arsenal legends now. Henry made more than 200 goals. I'm here only for five years. I think you need to be careful if you want to compare me with Dennis. He was on of the greatest players who play in that position. I learned a lot from him. At the training ground, he had moments were he played the ball with one touch. I thought why did you do that? A few seconds later I understood it. Sometimes I thought Jesus, that guy can handle so fast. He was a serious professional. Fantastic to play with. En beside that, he's also a really nice guy.
|
|
|
|
