Arsenal's Van Persie out for at least four months

LONDON (Reuters) - Dutch striker Robin van Persie's ankle injury is worse than first feared and he will be out of Arsenal's team for at least four months.

"In order to repair his (right) ankle Robin will undergo surgery next week in Amsterdam to reconstruct the ligaments," Arsenal said in a statement on Saturday.

"The club's medical team anticipate a full recovery will take between four and five months."

Van Persie was carried off on a stretcher in the friendly between Netherlands and Italy earlier this month after landing badly following a tackle by Giorgio Chiellini.

"The injury was expected to keep him out for between four and six weeks," Arsenal said on Saturday.

"Advice was sought from the leading ankle specialist Mr Niek van Dijk, who confirmed more extensive damage had been suffered than was first diagnosed."

The 26-year-old has thrived this season, scoring eight goals in his last 11 matches for third-placed Arsenal who entertain Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday.

His ankle operation will mean Van Persie faces a race against time to be fully fit for the World Cup in June.