Arsenal will be breathing a huge sigh of relief after it was confirmed that striker Robin van Persie will only be sidelined for "approximately six weeks'" after partially tearing an ankle ligament on international duty.

GettyImagesRobin van Persie winces after sustaining his injury

Initially it had been feared the Dutch forward - who has scored eight goals in 15 games in all competitions this season and emerged as one of the Gunners' key figures - could be set for a much-longer spell on the sidelines.

Van Persie, 26, will return to London to continue his rehabilitation but is set to miss key clashes with Premier League leaders Chelsea at the end of the month, the trip to Liverpool on December 13 as well as the rest of the hectic Christmas schedule.

A club statement from Arsenal read: ''Following the care given to van Persie by the Dutch FA, he will travel back to London this week and continue his treatment with the Arsenal medical team at London Colney. Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks.''

Van Persie lasted only 15 minutes of Netherlands' friendly against Italy on Saturday as a tackle from Giorgio Chiellini left the striker writhing in pain and he was taken off on a stretcher. However, Van Persie said of the challenge: "There was no intent. The prognosis is that I will be out for four to six weeks.''

With Nicklas Bendtner currently sidelined for a few weeks after undergoing groin surgery, the burden of leading Arsenal's front-line is likely to fall to Eduardo, who has started only three league games this season.