Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie allays fears over nasty eye injury

Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has further sought to calm worries over a nasty-looking injury suffered over the weekend. The 33-year-old, who now plies his trade in Turkey for Fenerbahce, was the subject of much concern on Sunday (6 November) after receiving a blow to the eye in an innocuous clash with Abdoul Sissoko during the first half of a Super Lig fixture against Akhisar Belediyespor.

Van Persie, who had scored the opening goal of an eventual 3-1 victory in Manisa, was subsequently stretchered off the pitch in considerable discomfort with a bandage held up against the bloody wound on his left eye. However, initial fears that the veteran Dutch forward had sustained a serious problem were quickly allayed by club doctor Burak Kunduracioglu.

"He received a blow to the eye and suffered a torn eyelid and bleeding," he said yesterday. "After the first intervention, we sent an ophthalmologist to the hospital to assess him. After the investigations we learned that nothing important happened. His condition is good."

Van Persie has since undergone further tests and revealed the true extent of the issue in a post released via social media on Monday morning.

"I have a little tear in my eyelid and after tests in the hospital this morning I can say that my eye itself is undamaged, so all good," he confirmed to to his 3.9m Instagram followers.

"These things happen in football. Nevertheless, I am very happy with the team result and win. Now focusing on the next game, the derby. Haydi Fener."

The experienced Dutch international also expressed gratitude towards the relevant medical professionals and inevitable army of well-wishers, adding: "I would like to thank you all for your prayers and well wishes after my injury from last night's game. Also a big thank you to all the medical staff who looked after me."

Fenerbahce will certainly hope to have one of their key assets back and available for that eagerly-anticipated battle against arch-rivals Galatasaray. Dick Advocaat's side, who currently lie fifth in the Super Lig table after a third consecutive victory, then host Ukrainian minnows Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League before travelling to face Rizespor. They later take on Besiktas and Feyenoord.

Van Persie has scored five goals in 13 games so far this season and netted 22 times across all competitions in 2015/16 following his summer move from Manchester United. The forward recently returned to Old Trafford and received a standing ovation from the home supporters after netting a late consolation goal in a heavy defeat. He remained an unused substitute for last week's 2-1 win at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul that sent Fenerbahce to the summit of Group A.