ARSENAL striker Robin Van Persie's ankle injury picked up in the 3-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates on Saturday isn't as bad as first feared.

The Dutch forward, who grabbed two goals in the victory should be able to meet up with the Holland squad, as they prepare to play their first match of their World Cup qualifying campaign which is against Macedonia.

Van Persie was taken off in the match against the Magpies with what was suspected to be an ankle injury. The Arsenal number 11 struck an incredible shot from an impossible angle which clipped off the bar, and it was here that the strikers match was cut short. Up until that point the Gunners were playing some fantastic football in a match which they deserved to lead.

The injury plagued player looked to be out for some time on the sidelines, which is bad news for Arsene Wenger who already has a very small squad to contest trophies with. The club is awaiting the results of an x-ray to see how bad the damage is, however it is believed to be just bruising which will delight everyone connected with the north London club.

Arsenal cannot afford lengthy lay-offs at this time of the season as they look to gain momentum and win a trophy, something they haven't done since 2005 and Van Persie will be key to this. The former Feyenoord players career with The Gunners has been hit with injury since his arrival from The Netherlands in 2004.