Robin van Persie hopeful of being fit for Manchester Derby next week

Patrick Kluivert, the assistant coach of the Netherlands football team, is positive that Robin van Persie’s injury is not serious and that the striker could be fit for the Manchester Derby next week.

van Persie took a knock in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Greek champions Olympiakos in the Champions League and had to be stretchered off the pitch. But that was not before the Dutchman had scored a hat-trick for his side which ensured their passage to the last 8 of the competition.

Kluivert is said to have been in touch with van Persie’s camp who have are confident that the striker will recover pretty soon.

Kluivert, who is Louis Van Gaal’s No2 with Holland, said: “Robin went on Thursday morning directly to the hospital and his upper leg was very stiff. We now have to wait but we have good hope. Maybe he can play the Manchester derby.”

van Persie was barged into from behind by Olympiakos’ centre-back, Kostas Manolas, late in the game and was in visible pain as he was stretchered off the pitch.

Manchester United boss David Moyes too spoke of being hopeful about having van Persie back for the Manchester derby next week.

van Persie is the club’s leading scorer this season and Moyes will certainly want the 30-year old to lead the line against their local rivals on March 25th.