ARSENAL have been dealt an early season blow with the news that injury-prone Robin van Persie may miss much of September, writes Jem Maidment. The Netherlands striker is out of his country s Euro 2012 qualifying double header with San Marino and Finland a

ARSENAL have been dealt an early season blow with the news that injury-prone Robin van Persie may miss much of September, writes Jem Maidment.

The Netherlands striker is out of his country's Euro 2012 qualifying double header with San Marino and Finland after picking up an ankle injury in the 2-1 Premier League win at Blackburn Rovers.

He played just 35 minutes at Ewood Park before being substituted.

Van Persie reported for international duty in Amsterdam but, after tests, KNVB (Dutch FA) officials said he would be out for "at least a few weeks".

The attacker has had a torrid time with injuries in the past two years. Last season he missed five months of the campaign due to ligament damage in his right ankle.

Van Persie returned for the final few games, but experienced an injury-free World Cup when he was an ever present as Netherlands reached the final. His new injury is to the other ankle.

Now he looks likely to miss Arsenal's home game with Bolton on September 11 and their first Champions League Group H game with Braga at the Emirates four days later.

After last weekend's game Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tried to be optimistic, saying he thought Van Persie's injury would be short-term. "It is a twisted ankle," he said. "We will have to check but, if we have no bad news, we hope that in eight to 10 days he can be okay.