17 Nov 2009

Arsenal to play without star striker

5:52 am on 17 November 2009

Arsenal's hopes of winning English football's Premier League haven taken a blow with their star striker Robin van Persie set for a long stretch on the sidelines with damaged ankle ligaments.

The Dutchman was tackled 14 minutes into a friendly between the Netherlands and Italy, and had to be taken off on a stretcher.

Van Persie's expecting to miss around six weeks although some players heal more quickly.

Arsenal are second after 11 matches, five points behind Chelsea.