Van Persie set for six-week absence
Monday, November 16, 2009
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Robin van Persie faces around six weeks on the sidelines after the Arsenal FC forward tore ankle ligaments during the Netherlands' friendly in Italy, adding to the injury absence of Nicklas Bendtner.
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Robin van Persie faces around six weeks on the sidelines after Arsenal FC's Dutch forward tore ankle ligaments on international duty on Saturday.
'Bad news'
The 26-year-old was forced off eight minutes into the Netherlands' 0-0 draw in Italy and a scan the following day in Rotterdam confirmed the injury, which is unlikely to require surgery. "This is very bad news for Robin," Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk said. "And also for his club and for us. The experiment of having him play as a central striker went into the bin after only eight minutes."
Six weeks out
An Arsenal statement on Monday added: "Following the care given to Van Persie by the Dutch FA, he will travel back to London this week and continue his treatment with the Arsenal medical team at London Colney. Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks."
Absence
That means Van Persie will miss Arsenal's remaining UEFA Champions League Group H fixtures against R. Standard de Liège and Olympiacos FC, although the Gunners require just a point to book their place in the last 16. Fellow forward Nicklas Bendtner had a groin operation in Germany last Tuesday and is expected to be out for three to four weeks.
