Agony: Robin van Persie lies injured clutching his
ankle (above) and is treated by medics on the pitch during
Holland's friendly draw with Italy (below)
Rushed to hospital: Arsenal star Van Persie is
taken away on a stretcher
Arsenal's
Premier League title hopes suffered an enormous setback last night
when striker Robin van Persie sustained a serious ankle injury in
Holland's friendly international match against Italy in
Pescara.
Van Persie was rushed to hospital after just 12 minutes of the
game when he collapsed to the ground following a heavy challenge
from Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk said: 'I was shocked when I saw
it. It doesn't look good. I feel very sad for Robin and
Arsenal.'
Van Persie is expected to be examined in Amsterdam today by
renowned ankle specialist Professor Niek van Dijk. The surgeon has
previously treated Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy and
Michael Owen.
A team doctor said he feared Van Persie had ruptured ligaments
in his ankle, an injury that would keep him out for at least three
months. But if further examination reveals the ankle is broken, the
star could miss the rest of the season.
Van Persie has scored eight goals for Arsenal in this campaign
and his impressive run of form - his goals have all come in the
last 11 matches - has prompted many observers to cite Arsenal,
currently in second place behind Chelsea, as title favourites. But
that dream looked in ruins when the striker screamed in agony as he
was carried from the pitch on a stretcher.
The loss of Van Persie will be a bitter blow to Arsenal
manager Arsene Wenger, who has had to bear the brunt of criticism
while waiting for five years of rebuilding his team to bear fruit.
Only two weeks ago Wenger revealed how much he dislikes November
because it always seems to bring injuries.
His complaint came after he lost left-back Gael Clichy with a
back injury, while Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner also picked up
knocks. Now van Persie's setback will confirm the Frenchman's worst
fears about this period.
The 26-year-old's injury is also a major blow for Holland just
seven months before the start of the World Cup.
Last night's game ended goalless after Italy substitute
Giampaolo Pazzini was denied a late winner when the referee ruled
that he used his arm to bundle the ball home with seven minutes
remaining. At the other end, Italy's veteran goalkeeper, Gianluigi
Buffon, marked his 100th cap with a clean sheet.
