Manchester United's Robin van Persie out for a month with thigh injury
Robin van Persie injured himself as he took the corner that led to Phil Jones's 67th-minute winner against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
Manchester United received another setback on Friday when manager David Moyes revealed that striker Robin van Persie will be out for a month with a thigh injury.
The Dutchman recently returned from a four-game lay-off due to a groin problem, playing in last weekend's 1-0 loss to Newcastle United and the midweek victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
However, he injured himself as he took the corner that led to Phil Jones's 67th-minute winner against Shakhtar and Moyes expects him to be out of action until next year.
"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."
Moyes added: "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.
"Marouane Fellaini has a bit of a back injury. Michael Carrick is missing and Robin is going to miss four weeks with a thigh strain. That is a big blow to us."
United's top scorer last season, Van Persie has scored seven goals in 11 league appearances this term. News of his injury comes as United bid to bounce back from successive home defeats in the league, which have left them 13 points behind leaders Arsenal. Moyes's side visit Aston Villa on Sunday.