Holland and Arsenal will be breathing a huge sigh of relief following the news that van Persie will only be sidelined for "four to six weeks" after partially tearing an ankle ligament on international duty with Holland squad.The Arsenal Striker lasted only 15 minutes of Netherlands' friendly against Italy on Saturday as a tackle from Giorgio Chiellini left the striker writhing in pain and he was taken off on a stretcher. However, Van Persie said of the challenge: "There was no intent."
Netherland coach Bert van Marwijk said after the game: "The first diagnosis is a bad ankle injury. We are waiting for X-rays in hospital. It's terrible for Robin and is not good for Holland or his club."
Medical examinations have revealed that Robin Van Persie has partially ruptured a ligament in his right ankle but it is believed that the Dutch Football Assocation feels that surgery will not be required.
And despite reports that Robin Van Persie could be facing a spell of three months on the sidelines, or even the remainder of the season, the striker has confirmed that he could be back in as little as a month.
"The prognosis is that I will be out for four to six weeks," Van Persie told the Dutch television station NOS.
Van Persie has excelled as a lone striker in Arsenal's new 4-3-3 formation this season, scoring seven goals and claiming seven assists in 11 Premier League games.
With Nicklas Bendtner currently sidelined for a few weeks after undergoing groin surgery, the burden of leading Arsenal's front-line is likely to fall to Eduardo, who has started only three league games this season.
