Van Persie fears mount

Gunners sweating on the fitness of talismanic striker

Last updated: 15th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Van Persie fears mount

Van Persie: Outlook appears bleak

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Robin van Persie appears set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury.

The Arsenal striker sustained the knock during Holland's friendly date with Italy on Saturday.

The 26-year-old was stretchered from the field just 10 minutes into the goalless in Pescara following a robust challenge from Azzurri centre-half Giorgio Chiellini.

He was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment, but the full extent of the injury is not yet known.

Initial fears suggest Van Persie has suffered ligament damage, which could rule him out of action for the foreseeable future.

Dutch national coach Bert van Marwijk admits the situation does not look good, but hopes the results of medical tests will bring better news.

"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 Holland or his club."