Photo by Matt West/ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
Manchester United’s hopes to make up some ground during the busy holiday schedule in the English Premier League have been dealt a major blow.
In a press conference today, manager David Moyes revealed that forward Robin Van Persie is set to miss the next month with a thigh strain, likely keeping him out for the next six league matches. The Netherlands international played two consecutive full seasons in the Premier League but has already missed time this season due to other injuries.
With United struggling to score, Moyes will have to count on Mexican international Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck to help make up for the lost productivity. Despite the injuries this season, Van Persie has scored seven goals in 11 EPL games and 10 in all competitions.
Here are some more stories to start your Friday:
LEON OPENS UP 2-0 AGGREGATE LEAD ON AMERICA
Club Leon is just 90 minutes away from what would be a historic title.
Behind goals from Carlos “Gullit” Peña and Mauro Boselli, Club Leon took Club America to task, defeating the defending Clausura champions, 2-0 on Thursday evening at Estadio Leon. The series now shifts to what will be a sold-out Estadio Azteca for Sunday’s second leg of the Liga MX Apertura playoffs final.
Los Panzas Verdes put the first goal past America goalkeeper Moises Muñoz in the 11th minute as America defender Aquivaldo Mosquera failed to clear a cross into the box, allowing Peña to fire home from just outside the box. Leon doubled its advantage deep in the second half as Mauro Boselli beautifully chipped Muñoz from a tight angle into the side netting, setting up what should be a thrilling match on Sunday.
QUICK KICKS
Everton is planning on offering Ross Barkley a new contract. (REPORT)
Chelsea is currently linked with Southampton left back Luke Shaw, but would need to cough up more than $32 million in order to acquire Shaw. (REPORT)
Germany is building its own training facility to use in Brazil, at a location just north of Rio de Janeiro. (REPORT)
French lawmakers have voted in favor of including AS Monaco along with the rest of the Ligue 1 clubs that must pay a 75 percent tax on all salaries above 1 million euros ($1.38 million) per season. (REPORT)
American hi-tech corporation Intel has inked a reported $25 million sponsorship deal with Barcelona to have their name on the inside of their jerseys. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Think United can overcome the injury to Van Persie in the next month? See Leon holding out to win the Apertura title?
Share your thoughts below.