Van Persie adds to Wenger worries
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was today facing up to an injury crisis after it was confirmed Holland international striker Robin van Persie has partially torn ankle ligaments.
Van Persie suffered the injury to his right leg in the 10th minute of Saturday’s goalless draw against Italy in Pescara. He was carried off on a stretcher following a heavy challenge from Azzurri defender Giorgio Chiellini and tests yesterday realised Wenger’s worst fears.
A KNVB statement yesterday evening read: “Robin van Persie has partially torn the ligaments in his right ankle. Tests in hospital today have confirmed this.”
Van Persie claims he will be out for up to six weeks.
He told Dutch television programme Studio Voetbal: “I have had a scan.
“I am probably out for between four and six weeks.”
He did, however, absolve Juventus defender Chiellini of blame, adding: “There was no intent.”
The Dutchman has scored eight goals in 15 games in all competitions this season and emerged as one of the Gunners’ key figures.
His injury comes at a bad time for Wenger, whose attacking stocks have also been reduced by Nicklas Bendtner’s groin injury, which he picked up in the recent 3-0 north London derby win against Tottenham.
Bendtner is expected to be out for at least another two weeks.
Van Persie scored twice in that victory over Spurs – revelling in his new role at the head of a 4-3-3 formation – with Wenger afterwards describing him as a mixture of club legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
He said at the time: “He is less of a runner than Thierry Henry and he is not completely Dennis Bergkamp because he plays higher up the pitch. He is a mix.
“He is the kind of player, with the type of game we play, who is vital because when you play the ball to his feet his first touch is always perfect and that allows others to join in. It makes everybody dangerous. In the box he is clever and intelligent.”
