Fears grow for Van Persie - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Fears grow for Van Persie

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has torn ankle ligaments in his right leg, according to a Dutch football association spokesman.

Van Persie was carried off in Saturday night's friendly against Italy after a heavy challenge from the Azzurri's Giorgio Chiellini.

Initial tests have revealed the extent of the injury while further examinations in Holland ought to give a better indication of how long he will be out. "The ankle ligaments are definitely torn," the spokesman for the Dutch FA (KNVB) told BBC Sport.

He continued: "After the match our medical staff did not mention a break in the bone but the doctors will be able to tell us for sure. It does not look too good."

The 26-year-old is a key player for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and his absence for an extended period would seriously harm the club's Barclays Premier League title bid.

Van Persie lasted just 10 minutes of Saturday's game in Pescara with Holland boss Bert van Marwijk revealing afterwards: "The first diagnosis is a bad ankle injury.

"We are waiting for X-rays in hospital. It's terrible for Robin and is not good for Holland or his club."

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