Arjen Robben to miss Netherlands friendly against Germany

Netherlands coach Danny Blind has announced that, after speaking with Arjen Robben and Bayern Munich, they have agreed to play Robben in only one of their upcoming international friendlies. He will suit up against Wales on Friday the 13th but will sit out the match against Germany in Hannover on the 17th.

Robben was named the Dutch captain over the summer before Euro 2016 qualifiers against Turkey and Iceland with Robin Van Persie being pushed to the sideline by Blind. However, in those subsequent matches, Robben suffered an adductor injury and was forced to miss two months.

When the Netherlands's squad for these friendlies was announced and Robben was included on the list, most Bayern fans rolled their eyes. Having just returned from injury, he was being called up to a squad playing friendlies for what purpose? They won't be playing in the European Championship next summer due to a disastrous qualifying campaign so will they be working to get prepared for next fall's World Cup 2018 qualifiers?

Blind should know what Robben brings to the table at this point. There won't be any more international breaks until March, so Robben will have time to remain in Munich and relax before being flown around Europe to play more friendlies.