Van Persie Set to Miss United’s Yuletide Programme Through Injury.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been ruled out of action for a month with a thigh strain, confirms David Moyes.

The Dutch striker injured his thigh after taking the corner-kick that led to Phil Jones’ strike in a 1-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday.

“Robin van Persie is out as well for a month,” said Moyes ahead of Sunday’s trip to Villa Park. “He picked up a thigh strain in taking a corner-kick which led to the goal (against Shakhtar).

Robin van Persie Sidelined for One Month.
Robin van Persie Sidelined for One Month.

“It is unfortunate because 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.”

The 30-year-old striker joins a growing list of first-team players like Marouane Fellaini (back), Michael Carrick (Archiles), Chris Smalling (hamstring), Nemanja Vidic (knock) and Patrice Evra (knock).

With Wayne Rooney set to make the 500th club appearance of his career against Aston Villa- since missing last weekend’s 1-0 home loss to Newcastle- and Javier Hernandez also available for selection, Moyes said he will not be left out of options for Van Persie and the others’ replacement.

The manager added: “I am sure we have plenty of players who can cover it and we don’t miss them too much.”

Van Persie have scored seven goals in eleven league matches this season including the match winner against former club Arsenal at Old Trafford on November 10.