Robin van Persie has been ruled out of action for Arsenal until the end of the year after suffering damage to ankle ligaments in Holland's friendly clash with Italy at the weekend, his English club confirmed on Monday.

Van Persie, who has scored eight times for the Gunners this season, will be sorely missed, particularly as Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner is also currently sidelined by a groin injury.

A statement from Arsenal said the 26-year-old striker would be out of action for "approximately six weeks," and manager Arsene Wenger will now have to rely heavily on Brazilian-born Croatia striker Eduardo.

Among the games van Persie will miss is the November 29 visit of Premier League leaders Chelsea, who have injury problems of their own following the international week. Frank Lampard will definitely miss the Arsenal match while skipper John Terry is hoping to recover more quickly from the achilles injury he suffered on duty with England in Qatar last week.

Arsenal hope to have Bendtner available again early next month while Brazilian midfielder Denilson, who has been sidelined since mid-September by a back problem, could be ready for Saturday's trip to Sunderland.

The loss of van Persie could increase Wenger's interest in Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh although the Arsenal boss may opt to give Mexican youngster Carlos Vela more first-team opportunities.