The 24-year-old striker is set to return for rehabilitation in his
native Holland as he recovers from a thigh problem - the latest
fitness setback of what has been an injury-plagued season.
Van Persie had started the campaign in fine form, before being
sidelined by a knee problem suffered on international duty during
October and then a muscular injury put him out again until the new
year.
Wenger brought the forward back into the side for the first leg of
the Carling Cup semi-final against Tottenham at the Emirates
Stadium on January 9, but substituted him at the interval.
Following a bout of 'flu, medical tests have revealed a "little
recurrence" of Van Persie's thigh injury, which will see him spend
probably the best part of a month on the sidelines once again, and
possibly become a doubt for the Champions League clash with AC
Milan on February 20.
Wenger knows it is "difficult" for the player, who has been limited
to just 13 starts but netted seven goals.
"We do not think it will be a long-term problem," said the Arsenal
manager.
"Maybe we made a mistake to play him in the Carling Cup, because we
wanted to rush him a little bit back after the muscular problems
and were not cautious enough maybe on the night.
"This time we will have to be very patient."
Wenger added: "When a player has waited for so long and is ready to
play, you are under pressure a bit from him as well because he
feels he can play.
"Also, when you have been out for a few months, you need some games
to get back to your best. You want to give him those games as soon
as possible.
"At the end of the day, I do not feel we made the right decision to
play him on the night."
The Arsenal boss has sanctioned a trip back to Holland as part of
Van Persie's "treatment and rehabilitation".
Wenger said: "A football club is not a hospital. It is made for
players who play, not for those who cannot play or are sick.
"It is very depressing for them to come in every day and see their
partners going out and playing, when he cannot.
"Sometimes it is better to get them away for 10 days where they
have a completely different environment. It makes them feel
better."
