Arsene Wenger is furious with the Dutch FA following the injury blow to Robin van Persie.

The Arsenal striker suffered ankle ligament damage playing for Holland in their recent friendly match with Italy, with the initial prognosis ruling him out for around six weeks.

However, after being examined by the Gunners medical team, it has been revealed that van Persie’s injury is much worse, and it could even see him missing the rest of the season.

"I think the Dutch FA minimised the injury,” said Wenger, who welcomes Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. "We have just found out that it is much worse than what they told us.

“If a player gets injured with his country he should be sent back to his club straight away to be checked out by their doctors, not by those of the national team.

"Countries just take your player away for a friendly and then give him back and say, 'there you go'. It doesn't happen in any other sport. It's a joke and is so disrespectful."

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