Blow for Arsenal as Van Persie ruled out till April

Arsenal’s Dutch forward Robin van Persie has been ruled out of action for up to five months following a scan on his injured ankle which has revealed the need for reconstructive surgery.

Van Persie, who with seven goals is the London club’s top scorer so far this season in the Premier League, suffered torn ankle ligaments during the Netherlands’ goalless draw against Italy in a friendly two weeks ago.

Initially expected to be out for between four and six weeks, a scan by a leading ankle injury specialist has revealed that more damage has been done than first thought.

Van Persie will undergo surgery in Amsterdam next week and is expected to be sidelined for up to five months.

An Arsenal statement issued Saturday read: “Robin van Persie returned to Arsenal on November 22nd following an ankle injury sustained whilst on international duty with Holland.

“The injury was expected to keep him out of action for between four and six weeks.

“Upon his return, the Arsenal medical team conducted a thorough review of his scans, his early injury management and the treatment he had received.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Van Persie’s absence will prove a massive blow to the Gunners, who face leaders Chelsea on Sunday knowing that defeat would leave them trailing the Blues by 11 points.