Three knee operations in just 18 months: January return for Man Utd midfielder target

Kevin Strootman has not played for Roma since January

KEVIN STROOTMAN could be back by January after undergoing a third operation on his left knee.

 

The Roma midfielder is expected to make a full recovery following the procedure that was carried out on Tuesday.

Strootman hasn't played for the Serie A club since the beginning of this year and Tuesday's operation was the third time he has gone under the knife in the space of just 18 months.

 

The 25-year-old has been a long-term target for Manchester United and is a favourite of Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal, who worked with him as manager of the Holland national team.

United were heavily linked with a move before his £14million switch to Roma from PSV in 2013.

Injuries have restricted Strootman to just 31 Serie A appearances in two years but he appears to be on the road to recovery once again.

 

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is a fan from his time as manager of Holland

"Kevin Strootman underwent reconstructive ACL surgery on his left knee," a statement from Roma said. 

"The operation went well and the midfielder will now continue with his rehabilitation programme."

While a January return looks realistic, Dr Pierpaolo Mariani, who carried out the surgery, refused to give an exact date.

 

"He will be back playing again, this is a promise I make as a surgeon and as a fan," he said.

"The cruciate ligament has been reconstructed using his right tendon and now he will continue with his recovery, which will be determined by myself and Roma's medical staff.

"I'm happy with the operation, but we will need at least two months to see if it was successful because a surgeon can never know immediately.

"After a player has not played for a year and a half, it is hard to set a precise time frame."