Dutch player Wesley Sneijder has played down a training ground incident with Robin van Persie.
Sneijder okay to face Italians despite ankle injury scare
Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder has played down a training ground incident with compatriot Robin van Persie which left him needing a hospital visit.
Sources within the Dutch camp say Real Madrid's Sneijder and Arsenal striker Van Persie are barely on speaking terms.
The situation can not have been improved after Van Persie hurt Sneijder's ankle in training before Holland's opening Euro 2008 game against Italy on Monday.
But the midfielder has since had the all clear for the Italy game, although Van Persie, who has himself been returning from injury, has been ruled out.
Dutch boss Marco van Basten originally denied the clash had taken place, while Sneijder has since played down the incident, saying he does not blame Van Persie.
Unfortunate
Sneijder told the
Daily Express: "There was an unfortunate incident. Van Persie landed hard on my ankle.
"I was in a lot of pain at first, but after a precautionary visit to the hospital it turns out it's not as bad as it looked.
"It was a scare, and I'm now going to have a rest. I don't blame Robin. Everyone is trying their best to win a place in the starting line-up."
