Robin van Persie... injured in Holland's friendly against Italy
Wenger calls for international friendly ban
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By Nick Teale
Arsène Wenger has called for a ban on international friendlies taking place during the domestic season.
The move comes in the wake of the news that Arsenal will be without Robin van Persie for four to five months after the 26-year-old suffered ankle ligament damage in the Netherland's game in Italy last month.
Speaking ahead of the game at Liverpool on Sunday, Wenger confirmed that the Club is seeking compensation from the Dutch FA for the loss of the striker.
The manager was infuriated by an injury to one of the Gunners' key players and, as a result, wants to see an end to non-competitive internationals.
"I believe that the friendlies during the season should be banned," he said.
"Contrary to what people say I believe they are made to make money and for diplomatic purposes, for political purposes."
And the Frenchman says that while you cannot put a price on losing a player of Van Persie's calibre, he will be seeking compensation.
"We are working on it with our lawyers at the moment but we are definitely going for it," said the manager.
"You cannot get the numbers right because what will it cost us? Nobody knows. It could cost us the season.
"I expect [compensation for] the damage that it could make to the Premier League [title bid], financial compensation and the salaries.
"I haven't thought about the numbers yet because we have to sit down with the lawyers and the advisors of the Club to see what we can do.
"I don't know the rules well enough. But definitely we will go for compensation"
[Sunday, December 13, 2009]
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