Van Persie passed fit for Holland as Uruguay face injury crisis
Published:Holland have been boosted by the news that Robin Van Persie will be fit to play in their semi-final encounter with Uruguay.
Van Persie appeared to be in agony after injuring his elbow during Holland’s 2-1 win over Brazil, but scans confirmed that the damage was not serious.
The Arsenal striker is a pivotal part of the Dutch attack, and he is 4/1 to score first against Uruguay.
There is also good news for Bert Van Marwijk’s side in defence, as Joris Mathijsen has been given the all-clear to start against Uruguay.
The centre-back missed the Oranje’s defeat of Brazil after injuring his knee in the warm-up, though scans revealed only minor damage.
Holland will, however, certainly be without Nigel De Jong and Gregory Van Der Wiel for the Uruguay clash, as both players are suspended.
There is worse news for Uruguay, who will be without Nicolas Lodeiro for the remainder of the World Cup.
The Ajax midfielder broke a bone in his foot during Uruguay’s quarter-final win over Ghana, and he will be unavailable for the Holland tie, which Uruguay are 9/2 to win.
Uruguay’s captain and centre-back Diego Lugano is a doubt for the South Americans’ first semi-final since 1970, having sustained knee ligament damage against Ghana.
And full-back Jorge Fucile is also uncertain of starting against Holland, having fell awkwardly during Uruguay’s quarter-final. Luis Suarez, meanwhile, is suspended for the semi-final.
How will Uruguay’s injuries affect their chances? They are 5/2 to qualify for the final. See the full Uruguay vs Holland market.
