Robben 'injured, not leaving'
Robben future at Stamford Bridge remains the subject of much speculation
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Thursday, 26, Jul 2007 09:22
Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clarke has denied that Arjen Robben's absence from Wednesday's friendly against Feyenoord is a sign that he is on the verge of leaving the club.
The Dutch winger was conspicuous by his absence during the 1-1 draw in Rotterdam and he also missed one of the Blues' tour matches in the United States last week.
However Clarke has dismissed speculation that he has been away to discuss terms for a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid, claiming he has a knee injury and will be out for up to ten days.
"He's got a small problem with his knee and stayed behind [in England] for treatment," the Blues assistant said.
"It's not major - we've decided to rest him for a week to ten days and then he'll be fine after that."
Clarke added: "He's still a Chelsea player."
Earlier this month, Real president Ramon Calderon claimed that he had been in contact with Robben's agent and that the player was keen to leave Chelsea this summer.
He has also recently claimed that talks are at "an advanced stage" and he hopes to seal the deal soon.
However manager Jose Mourinho added his voice to the Chelsea ranks denying Robben was available for transfer, admonishing the press and saying they should be "embarrassed" at starting a rumour which had little basis in reality.