Van Persie set to make early return from ankle injury

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie could return to action by early April, according to Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk.

Van Persie has been out since 14 November when he suffered ankle ligament damage on international duty against Italy. It had been feared the 26-year-old would not feature again this season, but Van Marwijk said: "I spoke to him on the phone last week and he is improving all the time and feeling better. You can hear it in his voice that he feels he is improving. I hope that he will play at the beginning of April and he feels this may be possible."

The news will be well received by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who only last week said that he did not think Van Persie would return until the end of April. The Dutchman's rehabilitation has also been welcomed by Van Marwijk, who sees him playing a pivotal role in Holland's World Cup campaign.

He said: "He is a very important player so it is very important for me that he is fit."