Injured Gunner should not give up on World Cup dream...

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has tipped Arsenal striker Robin van Persie to return from injury and enjoy a great World Cup in South Africa next summer.

The Gunner is currently recovering from surgery after undergoing an operation to repair ankle ligaments damaged whilst playing in a friendly international against Italy last month.

Although the 26-year-old is not expected to return to action for another five months, Gullit believes Van Persie can make it to South Africa and likened his situation to that of Marco van Basten, who returned from injury to inspire Holland to victory in the 1988 European Championships.

“Robin's a very important player for us,” Gullit told The Mail on Sunday.

“Look at Arsenal struggling without him. But I'm thinking about what happened with Van Basten. He was injured throughout the season in 1988, but then at the end of the season he was fit again and the rest is history.”

“He was great in the 1988 tournament. I think he only played the last game of the season that year so even if Robin were only back in April it would be possible to have a great World Cup.”

Friday’s World Cup draw saw the Netherlands drawn in Group E where they will face Japan, Cameroon and Denmark in the group stages of the tournament.