By James Pearson. Last Updated 7th June 2008

Holland will be without pacey winger Arjen Robben for their Euro 2008 opener against Italy on Monday.

The Red Madrid ace picked up a groin injury in training on Saturday, meaning he will not line up against the world champions.

The loss of Robben comes as a further blow to coach Marco van Basten who has already lost the services of Liverpool winger Ryan Babel.

Van Basten is now crossing his fingers the former Chelsea man recovers sufficiently to be in contention to face France on 13th June.

"First, it is an enormous disappointment for Arjen but also a big loss for the team especially because we lost Ryan Babel last week for the same position in the team," he stated.

"Together with the medical staff, Arjen now will try to recover and we hope that he can still be valuable for the team."

Meanwhile, Van Basten has another injury worry in the shape of experienced full-back Mario Melchiot, who plays for Wigan Athletic.

The former Chelsea and Birmingham defender sat out Saturday’s training session with a pelvic injury.

However, the 31-year-old is expected to resume training with the team on Sunday in order to be in contention to play against Italy.