Arjen Robben has revealed he is still feeling the effects of groin surgery in October as he strives to rediscover his best form.
Robben is set to feature for Holland in their international friendly against England at Wembley on Wednesday night despite having trouble with fitness and form with Bayern Munich.
Even though he has been left out of the Bayern side in recent weeks, he played the full 90 minutes of Sunday’s impressive 2-0 defeat of Schalke.
And the former Real Madrid and Chelsea winger is hoping his rhythm will return with regular action.
He said at Holland training on Monday: “I still have pain almost every day.
“This has been the worst injury of my career.”
Robben, 28, is hoping a run of games will enable him to regain top form, adding: “The games I am getting are a good way of getting properly fit.
“With the help of adrenaline I am getting through but I can still not say I am 100 per cent fit.
“During training it often feels uncomfortable. I am heading in the right direction but I need games to get my rhythm.”
Robben could line up alongside Urby Emanuelson in the Oranje midfield against Stuart Pearce’s side.
Emanuelson has earned a recall to the squad due to his impressive form with AC Milan and he is hoping to make the most of the opportunity.
The former Ajax man said: “I haven’t been there for so long so I do see this as a new beginning.
“I’m glad to be here now and hopefully for a longer period.”
The 25-year-old believes his call-up is reward for his fine form for Serie A leaders Milan.
He added: “I have played well and it is nice that I can report back to the Oranje.
“It is confirmation that things are going well and that this is being noticed.
“I always try to work hard and show what I have in my locker.
“I am back in the squad, that is a good step, and one I am trying to build on.”
Midfielder Rafael van der Vaart on Monday was forced out of the squad after sustaining an ankle injury in Tottenham’s 5-2 thrashing at Arsenal on Sunday.
The 29-year-old was assessed by Dutch medical staff on Monday and subsequently released.
Holland boss Bert van Marwijk has opted against calling up a replacement.
