International Football - Arsenal rocked by Van Persie blow
PA Sport - Sun, 15 Nov 08:41:00 2009
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie could be out for around two months after picking up an ankle injury in Netherlands' 0-0 friendly draw with Italy in Pescara.
Van Persie was stretchered off after only a quarter of an hour, pulling up when chasing a through-ball with Giorgio Chiellini.
Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk suggested Van Persie had torn his ankle ligaments, although the extent of the injury will not be determined until Sunday when tests will be carried out on the striker.
"The first diagnosis is a bad ankle injury," he said. "We are waiting for X-rays in hospital.
"It's terrible for Robin and is not good for Netherlands or his club."
If confirmed, Van Persie would be facing around two months on the sidelines - something which would threaten to derail Arsenal's Premier League title challenge.
Van Persie has scored seven league goals for the Gunners this season, helping them to second place in the current standings.
They trail leaders Chelsea by five points but have a game in hand on their London rivals.
PA Sport