World Cup: Robin van Persie a doubt for Netherland's semi-final clash with Argentina

Netherlands captain Robin van Persie is a doubt for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday with a stomach problem.

The Manchester United striker trained apart from his team-mates on Tuesday morning, and coach Louis van Gaal says he does not know if would be fit enough to line up against Argentina at Sao Paulo’s Corinthians Arena.

“Robin van Persie has an intestinal problem and I didn’t want to take a risk,” van Gaal said.

“Tomorrow (Wednesday), I’ll have to take all these decisions, not today. We have more than 24 hours before the match and Robin van Persie is a very important player for us.

“In principle, my captains always play, but only if they’re 100 percent.”

Right-back Daryl Janmaat also trained apart from the main group at Sao Paulo’s Estadio do Pacaembu with a stomach complaint, but Nigel de Jong and Ron Vlaar both took part after recovering from a groin injury and a knee problem respectively.