Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is pleased with his first day of placenta treatment in Serbia.

The Dutchman is being treated by radical physio Mariana Kovacevic. He is expected to be out for at least six weeks with an ankle injury - is still being seen by Kovacevic, who massages liquid from a horse's placenta into the affected area.

Many doctors dismiss the treatment but an increasing number of players are using Kovacevic, who lives just outside Belgrade.

Van Persie was still hobbling at his exclusive Belgrade hotel last night but said: "The treatment is going well."