Striker Robin van Persie will be out of action for “approximately six weeks” after suffering ankle ligament damage during the Netherlands’ international friendly match against Italy on Saturday, Arsenal confirmed.

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.

Later this week, the 26-year-old Van Persie will return to London to continue his rehabilitation but is set to miss key clashes with 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.

“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. Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks,” an official Arsenal club statement read.

(article and photo source: CNN)