Robin van Persie plays down fitness concerns after half-time substitution against Wales

Robin van Persie says substitution was only precautionary

Robin Van Persie and Louis Van Gaal have played down any fears over the Manchester United striker’s fitness ahead of the World Cup, despite having been forced to take him off at half-time in the friendly win over Wales on Wednesday.

Van Persie is expected to lead the line for the Netherlands at this summer’s tournament in Brazil, but he has been battling a knee injury since being forced off playing for United in the Champions League victory over Olympiakos at the beginning of March.

Van Persie holds a special relationship with Van Gaal and time is running out for him to lead the line in the tournament opener, but neither player nor manager was overly concerned by the striker’s half-time withdrawal, claiming it was merely a precaution.

Van Persie told reporters, “I wouldn’t call it an injury, I came off as a precaution.

“It built up during the game, so we decided it was sensible to come off.”

Van Gaal was equally as unconcerned by the decision to take his star forward off, claiming the decision was necessary in order to protect him in the bigger picture.

“He has a little injury and I think it is better that you don’t risk a bigger injury when he plays the second half.

“I think he made the right decision. It is not an important match, you don’t have to risk it. His action to give the assist for the first goal was fantastic.”