The surgeon who operated on Robin van Persie's ankle has promised the Arsenal forward that he will make a full recovery from the damaged ankle ligaments that effectively ended his season.

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, revealed today that the operation had been a success and that the Holland international could target May for his comeback. The Frenchman added that he had yet to relay the good news to his player.

"When you have such a big surgery, the opinion of the surgeon is important," Wenger said. "Will he be the player he was before? We had a clear answer, 'yes'."

Van Persie damaged his ankle while playing for his country in a friendly international against Italy last month. "At the moment, he can't do anything," Wenger said. "He's just sitting at home and waiting to work again."

The Frenchman added that Van Persie has an outside chance of being fit by April. "It's virtually the rest of the season," he said. "I haven't said that to Robin. Hopefully, we'll have a good surprise."