Holland striker Robin van Persie is tipped for a lengthy layoff after sustaining what appeared to be a major ankle injury during his country's goalless draw with Italy on Saturday. The Arsenal ace was stretchered off only on 10 minutes in the friendly game after a robust challenge from Italy center-half Giorgio Chiellini. The 26-year-old was hospitalized right away, and the full extent of his injury is yet to be determined. However, media reports mentioned that Van Persie could have suffered ligament damage – an injury that would keep him on the sidelines for quite a while. Holland coach Bert van Marwijk admitted that Van Persie's injury seems to be serious, but wishes for good news. "The first diagnosis is a bad ankle injury," he said. "We are waiting for X-rays in hospital. It's terrible for Robin and is not good for Holland or his club."
