Robin van Persie set to play against England despite injury fears

Robin van Persie is set to play for Holland in the friendly with England at Wembley despite fears of a groin problem after the KNVB, the Dutch Football Association, insisted he is "completely fit." The KNVB added that he had not required a fitness test, but did state it is unsure whether Arsenal would be happy for Van Persie to feature. During Tuesday night's training session the striker complained of a pain in his groin and sat out the last 15 minutes. With the 28-year-old so integral to Arsenal's push for a Champions League place and Arsène Wenger uncomfortable with his players featuring in friendlies – he recalled Van Persie ahead of Holland's game with Germany last November – the manager is likely to have preferred for him to be rested. But Kees Jansma, the KNVB spokesperson, said: "I think he is ok, he is ok. He is completely fit. Its absolutely not serious, so there is no problem at all." Van Persie has scored 33 goals so far this season and, speaking before the news of his injury, Wenger outlined his qualities. "I think he has an exceptional technique, I mean really exceptional. I have seen many great players over 30 years but Robin van Persie's first touch is just exceptional. "After that he has the qualities of left-footed players; they are very quick to finish, have great movement in the box and are very intelligent. "When you look at great players, they are on the move and everybody else stands and watches the ball. That is the difference. They look like they attack the ball all the time but in fact it is because they anticipate a lot and they are a little bit ahead of the other players." Arsenal travel to Anfield on Saturday for the early-kick off to play Liverpool, one of their rivals for a top-four finish. With Wenger's team currently in fourth, victory for Kenny Dalglish's side would draw them to within four points of Arsenal, so the manager would no doubt be upset to see van Persie risked if his fitness is in any doubt.