Netherlands to Compete in Group of Death Sans Robin van Persie?

Reports from the Dutch media are hinting that Arsenal striker Robin van Persie may be left out of the coach Marco van Basten’s squad for UEFA’s Euro 2008.

The forward continues to be sidetracked by leg problems that basically derailed his entire Premier League season. He was only able to train lightly because of a sore thigh and van Basten insists that only players who are fully fit will be named to his Euro squad which is due in one week. Light running apart from the team commanded the majority of van Persie’s day.

Group C includes World Cup champions Italy, the always dangerous France, a strong Romanian side, and the Netherlands. The squad kicks off its run through the Group of Death against Italy on June 9th in Berne.

And in other Euro 2008 news...

Turkey defeated Slovakia 1-0 in last evening’s friendly. Galatasaray defender Hakan Balta scored in the second half for Turkey.

Host nation Switzerland has been decimated by injuries: defensive midfielder Blerim Dzemaili and playmaker Xavier Margairaz are out with ligament injuries, defenders Patrick Mueller and Philipp Degen have not regained their fitness, injured forward Blaise Kufo has been replaced by Thomas Haeberli, and now playmaker Tranquillo Barnetta and defender Steve von Bergen have been added to the injury list.