Toe trouble thwarts Van Persie
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Article summary
Arsenal FC striker Robin van Persie has broken his toe, although the Dutch international should be fit to face Real Madrid CF in next month's last-16 tie.
Article body
Short-term setback
The 22-year-old, who has scored four goals in eight Premiership starts this season and also struck twice in Arsenal's 3-0 win against AC Sparta Praha on UEFA Champions League Matchday 4, recently signed a new contract keeping him in London until 2011. Van Persie has been increasingly prominent this term and his injury is a setback to Arsène Wenger, yet the problem is not thought to be serious and will only keep him out for the short term.
Madrid match
The former Feyenoord forward is likely to return to action well before the UEFA Champions League resumes in February. Arsenal face Real Madrid CF in the first knockout round, with the first leg taking place at the Santiago Bernabéu on 21 February and the return at Highbury on 8 March.
