Robin van Persie’s career in major doubt after veteran striker tears his cruciate knee ligaments
Former Manchester United and Arsenal forward is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up the injury in training with Holland
ROBIN VAN PERSIE'S career is in major doubt after the striker tore his cruciate knee ligaments, according to reports.
The stricken 34-year-old was left in agony when he picked up the injury in training, one day after the World Cup qualifying defeat to France last Thursday.
According to Beinsports, the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker could be sidelined for up to a year with his latest setback.
The 34-year-old had returned to the international side for the first time in two years to face Euro 2016 finalists France.
But his sensational comeback lasted just 30 minutes and it appears he has played his last game for the Oranje and possibly his career.
Holland's record scorer with 50 goals has been marred with a string of injuries later in his career and his latest knock could be one too many for the Fenerbahce forward.
United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered the same injury in April but has defied the odds and is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
Van Persie has racked up 101 caps for his country since making his debut against Romania in 2005.
most read in football
It is just the latest blow for Holland who are struggling to qualify for their second major tournament in a row.
They sit three points behind Sweden in third with just two matches left to play.
Next month they travel to Belarus before hosting the Swedes in a clash that could decide their World Cup 2018 fate.