van Persie out for 4 to 6 weeks

Arsenal's Robin van Persie will be sidelined for "four to six weeks" after partially tearing an ankle ligament on international duty.

Van Persie played only 15 minutes of Netherlands' friendly against Italy on Saturday as a tackle from Giorgio Chiellini left the striker writhing in pain and he was taken off on a stretcher. However, Van Persie said of the challenge: "There was no intent."

Medical examinations have revealed that Van Persie has partially ruptured a ligament in his right ankle but it is believed that the Dutch Football Assocation feels that surgery will not be required.

Van Persie has excelled as a lone striker in Arsenal's new 4-3-3 formation this season, scoring seven goals and claiming seven assists in 11 Premier League games.

With Nicklas Bendtner currently sidelined for a few weeks after undergoing groin surgery, the burden of leading Arsenal's front-line is likely to fall to Eduardo, who has started only three league games this season.