Van Persie close to return for Arsenal

Arsenal's title hopes could be boosted by the return of Dutch striker Robin van Persie from an ankle ligament injury in two to three weeks.

Van Persie, who was injured on international duty against Italy in November, is back in training which is good news for his club and his hopes of being fit for the World Cup in South Africa in June.

"He is expected to return but don't expect miracles when a guy has been out for such a long time," Wenger said to Reuters on Thursday. "But we are happy to have him back and he is physically ... in good shape. We have just to get him back to full team fitness -- that will take two to three weeks maximum."