Friendly Folly
Van Persie was stretchered off against Italy.
Going into the international break this weekend, I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen. It’s the feeling that many football fans have before every international week; the feeling of impending disaster as we wait to see who the victims of these meaningless matches are. We did not have to look any further than Saturday’s games.
It was Italy against Netherlands in a pointless international friendly. Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk decided to field a strong side that included Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
It took all of sixteen minutes for the in form striker to be stretchered off of the field in obvious pain and Gunner’s fans everywhere held their breath for the news; torn ankle ligaments which could sit him out for four to six weeks.
International friendlies in the middle of club play are a pet peeve of mine. You end up ruining some of the best domestic races in Europe, not to mention the UEFA Champions League. Injuries take some of football’s biggest stars out of action. Long travel time fatigues many of the players who have to go to South America or Africa for their friendlies. It also disrupts the flow of play of club sides in top form.
As a coach, why would Bert van Marwijk risk Van Persie’s fitness? A friendly is a perfect opportunity to play your reserves. Look at England, granted they had a number of injuries, but Capello only started three of his regulars. Because van Marwijk started his star striker, Van Persie will be out of action for up to six weeks; although, it could have been worse as it was first reported he would miss three months. If that had been the case he would have only had four months of club play to regain his fitness and find his top form before the FIFA World Cup.
This injury means that Arsenal will be without their star striker for a number of weeks which puts a dent in their domestic and European dreams. (Although I believe the Gunners can cope with the loss and maintain the brilliant play they have produced so far this season.)
Arsene Wenger has better depth upfront then maybe anyone in the Premier League and so they have a better chance of managing than most of their counterparts. If Chelsea were to lose Drogba, or United, Rooney, both teams would be hard pressed to find goals; but Arsenal have the likes of Eduardo, Walcott, and Carlos Vela to fill the gap.
It is not right that club football should pay because of international friendlies, so hopefully the footballing governing bodies will soon see this and make amends to the schedule.
Play Beautiful!
