Arsene Wenger expects Robin van Persie to return to Arsenal before the end of the season.

The Dutch striker was in the form of his life earlier this term, until he suffered ankle ligament damage whilst on international duty in November.

Some claim the Gunners bid for silverware has not recovered since this blow, but Wenger is still hopeful van Persie will play some part before the end of the campaign.

"If you ask me is it the beginning of April, I would say categorically no because he has not started any real fitness work yet," Wenger told the club's official website.

"Once he starts that, it will take at least six weeks. Maybe at the end of April if all goes well. If there is no setback, he should be back before the end of the season but it is very difficult to predict."

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