Fantasy managers face an anxious wait after reports on Tuesday evening stated that Robin Van Persie was subbed off at half-time in Holland’s World Cup Qualifier due to a thigh knock. The Man United striker was replaced by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for the second half of the 4-1 win over Hungary.
The Daily Mail were amongst the first news sources to report on the potential injury and they offer up a much tweeted quote from Dutch coach Louis van Gaal which, if confirmed, offers some reassurance on the extent of the problem…
“We took off Robin for precautionary measures. It doesn’t seem to be too serious, but you never know. We didn’t want to take any risks.”
Reports elsewhere are scarce at the time of writing, although the official site of the Dutch FA state that Van Persie did sustain a thigh injury and the BBC are also running a report. United have also recently picked up the news in their round-up of tonight’s international action…
“While Welbeck looked in good shape, the fitness of a fellow United forward could be a concern at Carrington as the Reds prepare for Saturday’s return to league action. Robin van Persie was substituted at half-time as the Netherlands won 4-1 in Hungary on Tuesday night, although quotes attributed to his national coach Louis van Gaal suggest the withdrawal was just a precautionary measure.”
With Shinji Kagawa missing Japan’s match with Iraq earlier on today due to a back problem, Sir Alex Ferguson may be facing an up-front headache for Saturday’s game with Wigan. Van Persie’s sensational form, which has harvested four goals in two starts since moving to Old Trafford, was set to make him an overwhelming armband candidate for Gameweek 4. Huge numbers have acquired his services across the Fantasy games in preparation for the Latics’ visit – they will be amongst many now hoping that the reported quotes are correct and that Van Persie’s withdrawal was no more than precautionary.
We’ll doubtless have more on this in the next 24-hours with Van Persie likely to undergo a full assessment back at Old Trafford.
