Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hit out at the "disrespectful" Dutch Football Association after accusing them of mis-handling Robin van Persie's ankle injury.

The 26-year-old was injured while on international duty with the Netherlands two weeks ago during a friendly against Italy.

Initial reports suggested that he could be back in action in around six weeks following minor ligament damage.

However, an angry Wenger has hit out at the Dutch authorities after the Gunners' medical staff discovered the injury could take as long as five months to fully heal.

"I think the Dutch FA minimised the injury," claimed Wenger.

"We have just found out that it is much worse than what they told us.

"If a player gets injured with his country he should be sent back to his club straight away to be checked out by their doctors, not by those of the national team.

"Countries just take your player away for a friendly and then give him back and say, 'there you go'. It doesn't happen in any other sport. It's a joke and is so disrespectful."

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