( CNN ) -- Arsenal have confirmed that striker Robin van Persie will be out of action for `` approximately six weeks '' after suffering ankle ligament damage during the Netherlands ' international friendly against Italy on Saturday . 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 later this week 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 . An official Arsenal club statement 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 . `` Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks . '' Although van Persie could be back for what is likely to be a season-defining few weeks when Arsenal host Manchester United on January 31 before games against Chelsea and then Liverpool , the loss of the player could not have come at a worse time for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger . Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner ( groin ) and England forward Theo Walcott ( knee ) are already out until early December , so Croatian international Eduardo da Silva is likely to take van Persie 's place in the Gunners side . Van Persie suffered the injury to his right leg in the 10th minute of Saturday 's goalless draw against Italy in Pescara . He was carried off on a stretcher following a heavy challenge from Azzurri defender Giorgio Chiellini and tests showed partially torn ligaments in his right ankle . Meanwhile , France defender Eric Abidal will miss the second leg of the World Cup playoff against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night due to a thigh injury . The Barcelona full-back played the full 90 minutes of Saturday 's 1-0 win in Dublin but sustained the problem in his left leg and will not be available for the return at the Stade de France . Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan has also been ruled out , as he has not yet recovered from a hamstring injury .
Arsenal reveal that striker Robin van Persie will be out of actionfor six weeks . The Dutchman suffered ankle ligament damage against Italy at the weekend . He was substituted in the second half and replaced by Theo Walcott who scored a late goal to give England an early lead.