Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions (Gunners 5/1 to win the league on Betfred outright coupon) could have been dealt a real blow as star striker Robin van Persie faces an operation which will see him face five months on the sidelines.
 
The Dutch striker suffered an ankle injury while on international duty and had been expected to miss six weeks, however experts have now told him an operation is needed which will keep his out for up to five months.
 
Arsenal face a crunch Premier League tie against leaders Chelsea (Arsenal 9/5 for victory on match coupon) on Sunday and a victory for the away side will see them open up an eight-point lead over the Gunners.
 
The loss of van Persie will be a huge blow to Arsenal’s plans for the season as he is the team’s leading league goal scorer with seven so far this term.
 
A statement from Arsenal said: “In order to repair his ankle, Robin will undergo surgery next week in Amsterdam to reconstruct the ligaments. The club’s medical team anticipate that a full recovery will take between four and five months.”
 
The news of van Persie’s layoff comes days after defender Keiran Gibbs had surgery on a broken metatarsal which will see him out of contention for three months.
 
Arsenal’s defence against Chelsea (6/4 to win the tie, 23/10 draw on match coupon) could be severely depleted as Gael Clichy is also out and centre-back William Gallas is doubtful after suffering an injury in the Champions League (Gunners 7/1 to lift the trophy on outright coupon) victory over Standard Liege.

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