Arsenal have confirmed striker Robin van Persie will be out of action for 'approximately six weeks' after suffering ankle ligament damage during Holland's international friendly against Italy on Saturday.
Initially it had been feared the Dutch forward - who has scored eight goals in 15 games in all competitions this season and emerged as one of the Gunners' key figures - could be set for a much-longer spell on the sidelines.
Van Persie, 26, will return to London later this week to continue his rehabilitation but is set to miss key clashes with Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea at the end of the month, the trip to Liverpool on December 13 as well as the rest of the hectic Christmas schedule. A club statement from Arsenal read: 'Following the care given to van Persie by the Dutch FA, he will travel back to London this week and continue his treatment with the Arsenal medical team at London Colney.
'Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks.'
Although Van Persie could be back for what is likely to be a season-defining few weeks when Arsenal host Manchester United on January 31 before games against Chelsea and then Liverpool, the loss of the skilful Dutchman could not have come at a worse time for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and England forward Theo Walcott (knee) are already out until early December.
Van Persie suffered the injury to his right leg in the 10th minute of Saturday's goalless draw against Italy in Pescara.
He was carried off on a stretcher following a heavy challenge from Azzurri defender Giorgio Chiellini and tests yesterday showed partially torn ligaments in his right ankle.
Van Persie had also suggested he would be out for the best part of two months.
'I have had a scan. I am probably out for between four and six weeks,' he told Dutch television programme Studio Voetbal.
However, the striker did absolve Juventus defender Chiellini of blame, adding: 'There was no intent.'
Van Persie scored twice in the 3-0 victory over Spurs last month, revelling in his new role at the head of a 4-3-3 formation, with Wenger afterwards describing him as a mixture of club legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
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