Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie could miss three months or more of the English Premier League season after suffering torn ankle ligaments during the Netherlands 0-0 tie vs. Italy on Saturday.
Van Persie injured his right ankle after a hard challenge by Italy and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini just 15 minutes into the friendly.
The injury is devastating news to a red-hot Arsenal team that was already coping with the loss to injury of Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner.
Here are some other stories from the weekend to get you through a somewhat slow Sunday in the soccer world:
MARADONA SUSPENDED TWO MONTHS
Argentina national team manager Diego Maradona has been hit with a two-month suspension by FIFA following his profanity-filled tirade following Argentina's qualification for the 2010 World Cup. Maradona lambasted critics on national television using obscene remarks, which led to FIFA imposing the suspension and a fine of almost $25,000.
The length of the suspension, which will run from Nov. 15, to Jan. 15, 2010, means it won't affect Maradona's ability to manage Argentina badly.
THOUSANDS GATHER FOR ENKE FUNERAL
About 40,000 fans gathered in Hannover's AWD Arena on Sunday for the funeral of Robert Enke, the German national team and Hannover 96 goalkeeper who died last week after committing suicide by jumping in front of a train.
U.S. national team and Hannover 96 defender Steve Cherundolo was one of six pall bearers who carried Enke's casket out of the stadium. German national team captain Michael Ballack, a life-long friend of Enke's, also took part in the funeral ceremony.
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What do you think of this news? Think Arsenal is cursed? Can the Gunners keep rolling without Van Persie? Think FIFA was too lenient on Maradona?
Share your thoughts below.
