Injured Netherlands winger Arjen Robben is on his way to South Africa and will join the squad on Saturday.

Coach Bert van Marwijk told reporters on Friday that Robben's recovery is "going well" but was evasive when asked whether the Bayern Munich player will be fit for Monday's Group E opener against Denmark.

"I haven't seen him for a week. We will see tomorrow," van Marwijk said at the Dutch team base in Johannesburg.

Robben - one of the main reasons Bayern won the Bundesliga title and reached the Champions League final this season - has been in doubt for the World Cup since picking up a hamstring injury a week ago in a friendly against Hungary.

Van Marwijk didn't call in a replacement, betting on Robben to become fit in time for the tournament. But with plenty of midfield talent in the squad, van Marwijk may choose to rest him for the opener.

Judging by Friday's practice, Rafael van der Vaart could take Robben's place in the lineup.

The coach fielded the Real Madrid player and Dirk Kuyt on the wings and Robin van Persie up front in a formation that seemed to suggest the contours of Monday's lineup.

Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong took defensive roles in the midfield with playmaker Wesley Sneijder building the attack.

Van Marwijk kept his cards close to his chest about whether he had already selected his starters.

"You will see on Monday," he said.

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