Dutch say Van Persie, Mathijsen fit to face Uruguay in World Cup semifinal

Van Persie fit to face Uruguay in WCup semifinal

JOHANNESBURG — Robin van Persie has been cleared to face Uruguay in the World Cup semifinals despite the left elbow injury he got against Brazil.

Dutch team spokeswoman Monique Kessels says a scan showed the injury was not as serious as first feared.

Although the striker trained apart from the other players Sunday, he will be fit to face the Uruguayans on Tuesday in Cape Town.

Kessels said defender Joris Mathijsen was also fit to play despite being pulled out of Friday’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Brazil with a right knee injury.