this ought to put a dunt in your happiness
Van Persie sidelined by broken metatarsal
Sun 21 Jan, 9:20 PM
LONDON (Reuters) - Striker Robin van Persie, Arsenal's top goalscorer in the Premier League, faces a long spell on the sidelines after breaking a bone in his foot in Sunday's 2-1 over Manchester United.
Van Persie, who was making his comeback after an ankle injury, had been sent on as a second half substitute and grabbed a vital equaliser in the 83rd minute.
But as he celebrated his goal, the Dutch forward broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and is now likely to be out for at least six weeks.
The injury will be a major blow for Arsene Wenger's side, who are campaigning on all four fronts.
They are fourth in the Premier League and face a League Cup semi-final, first leg at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, an FA Cup fourth round tie next Sunday against Bolton Wanderers and the Champions League last 16 which starts in February against PSV Eindhoven.
Van Persie is the club's top scorer in the league after lashing home his 11th of the season at the far post from a cross by Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky.
Praising the Dutchman's strike, Wenger told a news conference: "Robin came in from a deep position and scored an unbelievable goal. But he can deliver that."
Captain Thierry Henry, who will now have to shoulder the attacking burden, headed the winner in stoppage time.
Wenger said that teenage forward Theo Walcott would play against north London rivals Spurs at White Hart Lane.
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