Van Persie To Be Out For 5 Months

By Our Correspondent
for Arsenal New Today

Published: November 30, 2009

Van Persie To Be Out For 5 Months thumbnail

Injured striker Robin van Persie is set to remain on the sidelines for at least five months and not for four – five weeks as was previously announced. Van Persie injured his right ankle following a tackle by Giorgio Chiellini, 10 minutes into his country’s friendly tie against Italy on November 14. The first diagnosis by the Dutch FA said that the striker would take four to five weeks to make a comeback. Van Persie sought a radical treatment in Serbia to hasten his comeback. However, following his return to Arsenal on November 22, the club doctors discovered the true extent of his injury.

A statement issued by the club said, “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.” The statement further said, “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. ”

Meanwhile, Van Persie expressed disappointment over the unexpected turn of events. “If I had known at the time what I know now, I would have been operated on immediately. We have all been steered in the wrong direction,” he said. “It is so frustrating to be out for months. I was having a super season with the team. I had never felt as strong and powerful as this year. Apart from, I think, two matches, I either scored or made goals in all the games we played this season. I was getting so strong, that I felt nobody could stop me anymore. That is the greatest feeling you can have as a player. It is such a pity that great run has been stopped for the time being by one kick in a friendly international match. It is a real shame for me, for the team and for the fans of Arsenal,” he added.

Van Persie To Be Out For 5 Months

Sponsored Links

Latest News