Holland international striker Robin van Persie of Manchester United did not get out of the Barclays Premier League clash against his former employer Arsenal in mid November safe and sound.
The player could not escape a groin injury in the game in which he stunned the Gunners by scoring the winning goal for the Old Trafford.
Since Van Persie’s absence, Moyes and his men did not achieve great things as they took just two points from their last three Premier League meetings to slip 12 off the pace in the title race.
The return of the Dutch striker becomes a top priority as Moyes will be deprived of Wayne Rooney’s service during Saturday’s home date with Newcastle after concatenating five yellow cards.
Asked about the return date of the Dutch star, Moyes told United’s official website: “I don’t know (when he will return). We’ve been trying to get him back for a few weeks.
“But he is not ready yet. It’s his groin. It’s a sore groin injury and nothing desperately serious.”