Arsenal's Robin van Persie out for 'at least a few weeks' with ankle injury

The Arsenal striker Robin van Persie will be out of action for several weeks after hurting his left ankle in Saturday's Premier League match at Blackburn Rovers. The Dutch Football Association said the forward will miss Holland's European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Finland because he is likely to be out of action for "at least a few weeks". Van Persie set up Arsenal's opening goal before being replaced in the 35th minute of the 2-1 win at Ewood Park. He missed five months of last season after injuring ankle ligaments in November while on international duty. Holland have recalled the Hamburg striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 34, after a two-year absence. Werder Bremen have signed the former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikaël Silvestre on a free transfer. The 33-year-old, who was without a club after leaving Arsenal at the end of last season, has signed a two-year contract.