Van Persie Injury News

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie's ankle injury has been deemed more serious than originally thought. The Dutch international will now face four to five months on the sideline instead of the expected recovery of six weeks. Apparently, the "placenta cure" didn't live up to the hype.

Further tests on his ankle have revealed that Van Persie has torn three ligaments instead of the original prognosis of just one. Such news cannot come at a worse time for manager Arsene Wenger and Arsenal.

With Arsenal about to lose to Chelsea 3-0, Van Persie's presence seems to be noticeably missed in the North London side. Last week's 1-0 loss to Sunderland has proven just that. In two successive English Premier League games, the Gunners have been shutout. Before Van Persie's injury, Arsenal had scored at least a goal in every league game played! Previous wins for Arsenal produced scores of 6-2, 6-1, 4-1. The loss of the Dutchman seems to have stripped the Gunners of their attacking prowess and has forced Wenger to search for answers.

While it's too early to write the Gunners title chances off, the next month of fixtures are going to be critical for Arsene Wenger's men. It would be wise for Arsenal to dip into the transfer market in January and finally use their funds to purchase more experienced attacking power.