BREAKING NEWS: Van Persie passed fit for Real Madrid but Jones remains doubtful

Van Persie passed fit for Real Madrid but Jones remains doubtful

01-Mar-2013 3:45:00 PM

The 71-year-old revealed the forward has trained during the week and made a swift recovery, while he has reminded his players not to lose focus for their league clash with Norwich

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Robin van Persie will be fit for Tuesday's Champions League tie with Real Madrid, however the manager admitted the clash may come too soon for Phil Jones.

The Dutch forward sustained a hip injury during the Premier League match with QPR last time out but, as exclusively revealed by Goal.com, the Red Devils were confident the ex-Arsenal man would recover in time for the last-16 second-leg.


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5/2	Robin van Persie is 5/2 to score the first goal when United face Norwich with bet365

And the 71-year-old has indeed assured fans that, despite initial fears, the striker will be available for both visits of Norwich on Saturday and then Jose Mourinho's side on Tuesday.

The Scot told reporters: “Robin van Persie has trained this week – he’s available for tomorrow [Norwich]. His hip was very tender but he’s okay now."

The United boss was less optimistic about Jones' chances of making the crucial European fixture, suggesting he is unlikely to make the game, but did rule him out of the match with the Canaries at Old Trafford.

“Phil Jones starts running today," he continued. "He’s got a fight on his hands to be ready for Tuesday [Real Madrid] but we’ll give him every chance. He won’t be available for tomorrow [Norwich]."

The current Premier League leaders go into the game with Chris Hughton's men a massive 12 points ahead of Manchester City in the title race.

Looking ahead to the match, Sir Alex warned his players not to get complacent and insisted that they cannot afford to be distracted by the "occasion" surrounding the return leg with Madrid's.

“Tomorrow is an important one because Tuesday will look after itself," he added. "It’s an occasion on Tuesday whereas tomorrow is the mundane practical situation in that we need to win.”

Meanwhile Ryan Giggs has been rewarded for his continual good form with a new one-year contract at the club, a deal that will see him play in his 23rd senior season at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex hailed the attacker's achievement's and indicated he will hand him his 1000th career appearance, including matches for Wales and Great Britain, in the very near future.

He said: “He’ll be involved [against Norwich] and will be involved on Tuesday [against Real Madrid]. I don’t think what he has achieved will ever be achieved by anyone again."