Arsenal have confirmed Robin van Persie will be out for about six weeks, after he returned to the club for treatment on ligament damage to his right ankle.

The Holland striker suffered the damage during the friendly against Italy on Saturday after a strong challenge by Giorgio Chiellini, with a scan last night confirming several ligaments have been ruptured.

Van Persie returned to London to be examined by Arsenal's medical staff this morning, and club doctors have confirmed there is little prospect of him playing again this year.

"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."

The 26-year-old forward, who has scored eight goals in his last 11 matches, will miss key matches against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League.

The news is a blow to Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, who is already facing a striker shortage with Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Theo Walcott (knee) both ruled out until early December.

Van Persie, who was carried off on a stretcher in the 10th minute of Saturday's goalless draw in Pescara, believes he will be out for the best part of two months.

"I have had a scan. I am probably out for between four and six weeks," he said

However, the striker did absolve Chiellini, the Juventus defender, of blame for the challenge. "There was no intent," he added