Van Persie faces month on the sidelines

Manchester United manager David Moyes has confirmed that Robin van Persie will be out for a month with a thigh strain.

Netherlands international Van Persie has already spent time on the sidelines this season because of a groin strain, but made his first appearance since November 10 in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United last Saturday.

The former Arsenal striker also featured in the UEFA Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, but will now be unavailable until January after sustaining the injury in that game.

“Robin Van Persie is out for a month,” Moyes said.

“He picked up a thigh strain in taking a corner kick which led to the goal (against Shakhtar).”

Van Persie’s strike partner Wayne Rooney is due to return to domestic action against Aston Villa on Sunday, and Moyes expressed frustration that the duo will not be able to play together.

“It is unfortunate,” he added.

“I think if you look at our record with Wayne Rooney and Robin in the team, it is actually very good and we have not had them for quite a period recently.”

Midfielders Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick are also likely to miss out on the trip to Villa Park, while Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra both missed the victory against Shakhtar with knocks.

But, despite a growing injury list, Moyes is confident his side – who sit ninth in the Premier League following successive home defeats – can turn things around and cut the 13-point gap to leaders Arsenal.

“I am sure we have plenty of players who can cover it (the injuries) and we don’t miss them too much,” the Scot said.

“We want to play well. We’ve not done as well in the league as we should have. We want to put it right.

“We’ll do everything possible to get closer (to Arsenal). We’ve got a lot of games coming up and can pick up points. But we need to do it, not talk about it.”