Source: Telegraph
Robin van Persie blow for Arsenal
The 26-year-old suffered torn ankle ligaments during Holland's goalless draw against Italy in Pescara on Nov 14 and was initially expected to be out for between four and six weeks. [LNB]However, the Gunners' medical stuff have since reviewed the injury and its treatment and concluded he must go under the knife, and is now not expected back until April at best.[LNB] Related ArticlesArsenal v Chelsea: match previewWenger: Fifa failed to punish Chelsea over KakutaCesc Fabregas: I don't want to fail at ArsenalAndrei Arshavin still suffering from World Cup heartacheArsenal v Chelsea epicsThe loss of Van Persie is a massive blow to Arsenal, as he was in such good form. [LNB]The Dutchman has tried radical methods including massage using placenta in Serbia to get back into action. [LNB]A club statement read: "Robin van Persie returned to Arsenal on Nov 22 following an ankle injury sustained whilst on international duty with Holland. [LNB]"The injury was expected to keep him out of action for between four and six weeks. [LNB]"Upon his return, the Arsenal medical team conducted a thorough review of his scans, his early injury management and the treatment he had received. [LNB]"Having scrutinised these in detail and assessed the response of his ankle, the club's medical team concluded that further investigation and opinion was required. [LNB]"Advice was sought from the leading ankle specialist Mr Niek van Dijk, who confirmed that more extensive damage had been suffered than was first diagnosed. [LNB]"In order to repair his ankle, Robin will undergo surgery next week in Amsterdam to reconstruct the ligaments. The club's medical team anticipate that a full recovery will take between four and five months." [LNB]Van Persie is currently Arsenal's leading goalscorer in the Premier League this season, with seven goals. He has also found the net once in the Champions League. [LNB][LNB][LNB]
