2010 FIFA World Cup: Arjen Robben Injured, May be Ruled Out of Tournament

Injuries struck again today as Arjen Robben limped off the field with a hamstring problem in the 85th minute of the Netherlands' 6-1 victory over Hungary. 

The speedy winger, who lead Bayern Munich to a Champions League final this year, came on as a sub in the second half and scored two goals before he fell awkwardly after cutting to the inside and attempting a pass to the right with his left foot.

Despite showing attacking prowess in their comfortable victory, feelings amongst members of the Dutch camp ranged from shock and disbelief to borderline despair.

Coach Bert Van Marwijk said, "I thought to myself, this can't be true.  He made an unnatural movement and injured his hamstring." Marwijk was also reported to have told someone, "I would rather lose this match and have Arjen stay fit."

As Robin Van Persie put it, "I hope he's OK, because he's a very important player for us.  Everyone is down now."

Robben was one of five players who scored during Saturday's pre-tournament friendly against Hungary at the Amsterdam ArenA.  The Hungarians had gained an early lead when Balazs Dzudzsak took advantage of the shaky Dutch defense.

However after going down one, the Oranje rallied and took control of the game.  Goals from Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Mark Van Bommel and Eljer Elia, combined with Robben's two goals to complete the Dutch's thorough route of the visitors.

Robben will not immediately fly to South Africa with the rest of his team and instead is scheduled to undergo hospital scans.  Van Marwijk is reported to be reluctant to call in a replacement until the extent of the injuries are known. 

The Dutch coach stated that, "You sometimes see that people with injuries like this are fit again in a few weeks.  I'm hoping for that."

Even the most optimistic prognosis will likely see Robben missing the Oranje's opening games.  However were the Dutch to make it through there is perhaps the outside possibility that Robben will be fit enough to join them in the second round.

In a Dutch team that positively bristles with attacking talent, Robben's speed, close ball control and ability to shoot from distance still manage to distinguish him as a stand-out star.  A Robben-less Oranje however, would still have more attacking options then most teams in the tournament. 

But even on a team that features Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van Der Vaart and Robbin Van Persie, there is no one who can match Robben's blistering pace on the wings, ability to run at defenders and cut inside to shoot on goal.

If Robben were to be ruled out, he would join a growing list of high profile international players that already includes Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba, Englands Rio Ferdinand and Nigeria's John Mikel Obi.