Euro 2008 Clock is Ticking for Injured Players

With the Euro 2008 countdown getting smaller and smaller (two weeks and two days until kickoff folks) certain players are starting to sweat on injuries. Robin van Persie for example.

Approximately zero Arsenal fans will be surprised to hear that the Dutch striker is hoping to recover from injury in time to play this summer. Because that’s pretty much what he spent the whole winter doing as well. It’s not even clear which injury RvP has right now, as his season was turned into a stutter by a series of thigh and knee ouchies.

Despite his less than stellar fitness track record, RvP has Netherlands coach Marco van Basten’s support. Which I guess is what happens when you’ve got skills.

“In principle, I believe any player who wants to be part of the EURO squad has to be able to play in the first match, but Robin is a very special player,” said the coach. “We will be taking him with us even if he is a doubt for the Italy game. We do not want to take risks with Van Persie.”

Sweden’s Freddie Ljungberg is facing a similar race against time to recover from the cracked ribs he got from Newcastle defender Steven Taylor while playing for West Ham. The Swedish captain is set to wear a special giant shinpad over his ribs.

I agree that cracked ribs need protection, but doesn’t that seem a little unfair? Ljungberg can call it a giant shinguard, but it’s basically body armour. So anyone contesting a 50-50 ball with Ljungberg in Swissaustria might be in for a nasty surprise.