Wenger willing to wait on van Persie

LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Tuesday he'd all but given up on the idea of Dutch striker Robin van Persie playing for the English Premier League club again this season.

However, he stressed the player would regain full fitness and once more be a force at top-flight level.

The 26-year-old forward suffered a right ankle injury while on international duty in November.