Fifa World Cup 2014: Robin van Persie a Doubt for Argentina Clash with Stomach Problem

Robin van Persie is a doubt for Netherlands' World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina after suffering from a stomach problem.

The Manchester United striker trained on his own on Tuesday and his manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed he is unsure whether his captain will be ready for Wednesday's game in Sao Paulo.

"He has a stomach problem, an intestinal problem. I don't know (if he will play)," van Gaal told a press conference.

"I will decide (on Wednesday). Van Persie is our captain so he is very important to us.

"In principle my captain always plays, but he has to be fit."

Netherlands are one game away from reaching consecutive World Cup finals following an impressive campaign in Brazil. Van Persie has netted three goals – two against Spain and another against Australia in the group stages – so far but his performances in the knock out stages of the competitions have been overshadowed somewhat by the form of Arjen Robben.

Schalke striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is the most likely candidate to step in for the Netherlands captain. Huntelaar replaced van Persie with his side trailing 1-0 to Mexico in their last 16 clash and nd scored the game's winner from the penalty spot in injury time.

The incoming Manchester United manager did confirm however that Ron Vlaar and Leory Fer have both recovered from knocks and took part in Tuesday's session. The Oranje have been handed a further boost with Nigel de Jong also returning to training, despite suffering a groin strain that was initially feared to have ended his World Cup.

Of de Jong's possible return van Gaal said: "If his reaction is good and he can play, then the miracle can come true," Van Gaal said.