Manchester United boss David Moyes has revealed that Robin van Persie is progressing well in his recovery from a thigh injury.
The Dutch striker was ruled out for a month after picking up a strain, although Moyes has hinted that 30-year-old could return sooner than planned.
Moyes said that the club's medical team are monitoring Van Persie to ensure that he gets back to full fitness and does not suffer the same injury again.
"Robin is progressing, he's coming on, and he is feeling quite good," Moyes told the club's official website. "He had a similar injury at Arsenal on his thigh, so it is something we have to be sure about. It wouldn't be much good if it got repeated, so we will try to take it steady."
When asked whether the game against Hull City would come too soon for the forward, Moyes replied: "I think it probably will be.
"Obviously the medical team are controlling him, but we speak to Robin as well about how he feels and what he feels he needs to do. We're doing everything we can to make sure he's well looked after and well treated."
United travel to Hull on Boxing Day.