Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has explained why Robin van Persie is returning to Holland to continue his rehab.

"Robin will be out for two to three weeks," said Wenger. "He is going to Holland as part of the treatment and rehabilitation.

"A football club is not a hospital. It is made for players who play, not for those who cannot play or are sick.

"It is very depressing for them to come in every day and see their partners going out and playing, when he cannot. Sometimes it is better to get them away for 10 days where they have a completely different environment. It makes them feel better."