Van Persie's special crackpot treatment

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie, who injured his ankle during a game against Italy last Saturday, has dashed off  to Serbia for a special crackpot treatment, which involves rubbing horse placenta on the damaged ankle.

Persie, who feared he could be out for the rest of the season, has been told that he could return to competitive football within six weeks.

"I am going to receive treatment from a female doctor. She is vague about her methods. But I know she first massages you for a long time with placenta fluid. I'm going to give it a try. It can't do any harm, and if it helps, it helps," The Sun quoted the 26-year-old striker, as saying.

While Persie is hopeful that the strange treatment could spell wonders, specialist Carol Cooper has warned that the 'wacky treatment will probably be a waste of time.'

"A placenta contains a number of proteins, but it's completely unproven. The placenta has probably come from a large animal such as a horse. I'm not sure whether the treatment will make much of a difference,"

Persie, would be reporting to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger later this week to provide him first hand information on his injury.

Scholes to get new Man U contract

Meanwhile, Paul Scholes is set to receive a new contract from Manchester United.

Golden oldie Scholes turned 35 on Tuesday and Sir Alex Ferguson wants to reward him with another 12-month deal at Old Trafford.

The former England star's current agreement expires next summer and Ferguson feels he has already proved he deserves at least another season.

Scholes has been in vintage form, partnering Darren Fletcher in the heart of the United midfield and he has been keeping Michael Carrick out of the team.