Reports came out on Tuesday that Robin Van Persie did not travel to Germany with the rest of his Manchester United teammates, meaning the forward will miss United's match on Wednesday against Bayer Leverkusen.
Robin Van Persie out of Manchester United’s key Champions League match
The Dutch forward did not travel to Germany as United faces a key match against Bayer Leverkusen that could help decide their qualification hopes.
Alex Livesey
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Van Persie is struggling with a groin injury and did not play in United’s 2-2 draw against Cardiff on Sunday. It’s a big loss for United who have clearly been a better team with Van Persie on the pitch.
According to Who Scored, United average over a goal a game more in the Champions League when Van Persie plays.
Replacing that production will be key for United who could themselves in second place and facing a must win match against Shakhtar Donetsk on the final group stage match day should they fail to get any points against Leverkusen.
Van Persie last played in United's 1-0 win over Arsenal before the international break but was deemed unfit by Holland during the international break after being diagnosed with both a groin and toe injury. The toe is apparently fine but Van Persie's groin remains a problem.
With Van Persie out, David Moyes' likely choice to start up front will be Mexican international Javier Hernandez who started on Sunday against Cardiff.
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