Van Persie facing six weeks out with injury
ARSENAL striker Robin van Persie last night calmed fears over his torn ankle ligaments by insisting he expects to be sidelined for no more than six weeks.
The in-form Dutchman, whose eight goals in 11 outings have propelled the Gunners to second in the Premier League, was injured in Saturday’s friendly with Italy.
Van Persie, who has suffered a series of serious injuries since joining Arsenal in 2004, was hurt early in the game by a robust challenge from Giorgio Chiellini.
The 26-year-old is set to miss the crunch league clash against leaders Chelsea at the end of the month, but eased concerns he could be out long into the new year.
“I have had a scan,” said Van Persie. “I am probably out for between four and six weeks.”
A spokesman for the Dutch football federation had earlier said: “The ankle ligaments are definitely torn. It does not look too good.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted his hatred of November, as the fixture pile-up frequently means key players pick up knocks.
He said earlier this month: “In England, you always get injuries in November. It is very frustrating. It’s the volume of games.”
With fellow striker Nicklas Bendtner also injured, Wenger is likely to use Eduardo, who hit a brace for Croatia against Liechtenstein at the weekend, as the centre forward in Arsenal’s 4-3-3 formation.