By Jonny Payne
Robin van Persie could be back in action in two weeks according to Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger.
Van Persie really was a ‘Flying Dutchman’ earlier this season, scoring eight goals in fifteen games by mid-November and flourishing in his new centre-forward role.
As is so often the case with the mercurial forward though, injury struck. An innocuous challenge from Italian defender, Giorgio Chiellini, in an international friendly against the World Champions in November had forced him out of action with ankle ligament damage, but van Persie may soon be back.
Wenger said today: He’s expected to return, don’t expect miracles when the guy has been out for such a long time, but we are happy to have him back and fitness-wise he’s in a good shape. We have to just get him back to full team fitness, which will take a maximum of two to three weeks. I would say two weeks but after that when you start to play you’re not at your best.”
Wenger has revealed how it has been a frustrating time for the Dutchman who has found himself sidelined more often than most, but insisted he is now over the worst of his rehabilitation.
He said: “I believe the first three weeks [of training] are very difficult, so I believe that is behind him now…When you can practice you can deal better with the frustration, when you lie at home at the start of your injury and you cannot even do anything – that is very frustrating, so I believe the hardest time is behind him.”
Van Persie is expected to be back for the final few matches of the season in what could be a crucial period for the Gunners who are battling for both the elusive Champions League crown and the Premier League.
Will van Persie inspire Arsenal to the double? Have your say below.
