Robben expected to miss Dutch opener

Johannesburg: Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has little hope Arjen Robben will be fit in time to face Denmark in the team's World Cup opener.

Robben is nursing a hamstring injury he picked up during a 6-1 win over Hungary in a friendly on Saturday, and was set to undergo further tests back home later Tuesday.

Van Marwijk, however, said he was all but certain the Bayern Munich winger will not be ready to play against the Danes on Monday.

"It would be wrong to believe he would be ready to face Denmark," Van Marwijk said. "His injury is serious and I do not know when he can join us."

Robben was one of the main reasons Bayern won the Bundesliga title and reached the Champions League final this season with his ability to both score goals and create for others. Van Marwijk has said he will not call in a replacement, and is still hoping Robben can participate in later World Cup games. The Netherlands also face Japan and Cameroon in Group E.

Even without Robben, the Dutch coach still has a multitude of potent attacking options, including Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder, Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, Arsenal striker Robin van Persie and Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt.

Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz also sustained a minor ankle injury in training Tuesday, but is expected to be fit against Denmark.