A young team will take to the field on Friday, with Robben not likely to play against FC Volendam
Arjen Robben’s return to playing for FC Groningen has been delayed several times. Last week it seemed that the second debut would happen against PEC Zwolle, with Robben named in the squad, only to pull out at the last minute due to muscle pain. FC Groningen are now being cautious, and are limiting the winger to Saturday’s away match against Almere City.
On Friday evening, Danny Buijs’ team will play against FC Volendam at 18:00, in Westwoud (Friesland), without a crowd. The team selection is expected to include a lot of younger players, Manager Buijs says: “Because of the limitations we face in corona time, we worked with two different groups towards the dual program. A large number of FC Groningen boys under 21 will come into action against FC Volendam. The first selection will take place in Almere in particular.” As reported by FC Groningen.
Robben could be there too, says Buijs. “This week Robben participated in group training with players focussing on Almere City. As mentioned earlier, we only decide at the last minute whether he will be part of the match selection. We always look at what fits best in his program each time.”
Robben still has three weeks to attain match fitness before kick-off of the first game of the season. A home game against another of Robben’s previous clubs, PSV Eindhoven, awaits on Sunday 13 September.
Image: the FC Groningen stadium in 2018. Image via WikiMedia user Rickazio, license here.
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