Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has blasted the Dutch FA for its behaviour over Robin van Persie's injury.
Gunners manager accuses Holland of downplaying striker's injury
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has blasted the Dutch Football Association for its behaviour regarding the injury of Robin van Persie, describing the events as a 'joke'.
The Gunners were dealt a devastating setback on Saturday when they revealed that the Holland striker's ankle injury was far worse than initially feared.
Van Persie sustained a ligament problem during a November friendly with Italy and following an inspection from Arsenal's medical team it has been decided he requires surgery.
An initial prognosis suggested that the 26-year-old would be sidelined for six weeks, but the need for an operation means he will be facing at least four months of rehabilitation, leaving Wenger to accuse Holland of downplaying the damage.
He said: "I think the Dutch FA minimised the injury.
Disrespectful
"We have just found out that it is much worse than what they told us. If a player gets injured with his country he should be sent back to his club straight away to be checked out by their doctors, not by those of the national team.
"Countries just take your player away for a friendly and then give him back and say, 'there you go'. It doesn't happen in any other sport. It's a joke and is so disrespectful."
The Dutch FA (KNVB) has now given its version of events and said in a statement: "Directly after Robin van Persie got injured in the friendly of the Dutch national team versus Italy, the doctor of the Netherlands team diagnosed an ankle ligament problem.
"The Arsenal striker went to the hospital in Amsterdam on Sunday, where further examination confirmed the diagnosis of the medical staff of the Netherlands team - Robin van Persie had a ruptured ligament of his right ankle.
"The medical staff of the KNVB contacted Arsenal club doctor Gary O'Driscoll the same Sunday to inform him about the outcome of the investigation and to transfer the medical record regarding this injury. The scan was also handed over to the medical staff of Arsenal."
