Arsenal have been dealt a massive blow with the news that Dutch forward Robin van Persie faces up to five months out of action due to a serious ankle injury which requires surgery.

The 26-year-old was injured while on international duty with the Netherlands two weeks ago, lasting little more than ten minutes of his country's friendly against Italy.

Initial reports suggested that he could be back in action in around six weeks, but the Gunners have confirmed a much more severe blow.

An official club statement read:"Robin van Persie returned to Arsenal on November 22nd following an ankle injury sustained while 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, van Persie 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."

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