Robin van Persie Illness: Updates on Manchester United Star's Status and Return

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is dealing with a virus that kept him out of May 9's match versus Crystal Palace. This is the latest setback in what has been a disappointing campaign for the veteran forward.

However, he's fit for the team's clash with Arsenal on May 17.

Continue for updates.

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Van Persie Fit to Face Arsenal

Friday, May 15

Manchester United's official Twitter feed reported that Van Persie is fit to face Arsenal, according to manager Louis van Gaal.

On May 9, it was revealed that a virus would keep him out of the squad against Crystal Palace:

Ian Ladyman of MailOnline reported on Van Persie's status on Monday:

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However, Van Persie told friends on Saturday afternoon that he was "absolutely fine" and was disappointed not to have played.

It is understood that Van Persie had indeed missed a day's training earlier last week after picking up a bug that Van Gaal himself had been suffering from for a couple of days.

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Van Persie has scored at a far slower pace in 2014-15 than fans have gotten used to throughout the years, and with United as a whole struggling to put the ball in the net, the Dutchman is being isolated as one of the main issues holding the team back.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News (h/t Man United News), fans are starting to get upset with the veteran:

Football365's Daniel Storey sees a player who can no longer live up to the expectations he has set for himself, something that happens to every player at some point:

For years, Van Persie was one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League, securing a move to Old Trafford after a productive spell with Arsenal. But injuries have always held him back, and per Transfermarkt.co.uk, his injury history is lengthy and filled with severe knocks.

With big changes expected at Old Trafford in the summer, Van Persie needed every minute available to prove he's still a prolific striker capable of helping the team win silverware.

Instead, he'll now be forced to watch from the sideline as his job may be on the line.