It is unlikely to be up to him but the German-based physiotherapist treating Arjen Robben’s hamstring injury has deemed the Bayern Munich winger fit and ready to line out for the Netherlands against Denmark in their World Cup opener on Monday.
The former Chelsea player suffered a hamstring injury in a pre-tournament friendly and coach Bert van Marwijk has already said he will not be considered for the match in Johannesburg.
However, Dick van Toorn told German newspaper TZtoday, that Robben "must play".
Van Toorn, the physio Robben requested despite reservations from the Dutch camp, was adamant the attacker was ready for the Group E opener.
"I think that he can play," he said. "If they do not play him for tactical reasons, okay, but you cannot say he would not be fit."
The 77-year-old Van Toorn admitted his opinion differs from that of van Marwijk but was under no illusions as to whose is correct.
"It depends on the coach," he said. "He has a different opinion than I do. He thinks that a player should not play in pain, because he has missed a few training sessions.
"But I say 'fit is fit'. If Arjen feels no more pain, then he is fit. And then he must play.”
Robben was in flying form for Bayern last season, scoring 16 in 24 games in the Bundesliga and four on the way to the Champions League final.
Should he not feature against Denmark his place is likely to be taken by young FC Hamburg winger Eljero Elia.