Arsenal Analysis: Wenger Rides An International Rollercoaster

"You win some; you lose some... As one door closes, another opens... Every problem is an opportunity..."

Arsene Wenger should be excused if he was found alone in his office, mumbling through his aphorisms, this Monday morning as he surveyed the latest news from the international front.

Yes, the 'Verminator' did it again - with a left-foot strike for Belgium in a 3-0 win over Hungary on his 24th birthday.

Yes, Aaron Ramsey strutted his stuff and scored an eye-catching goal as Wales humbled a sorry Scotland by the same score.

And, yes, Eduardo demonstrated his razor-sharp finishing skills with two goals against lowly Liechtenstein in a 5-0 triumph for Croatia.

But, in a blow the severity of which overshadowed all of the good news above, Robin van Persie suffered severe ligament damage to his right ankle after only 10 minutes of the Netherlands' goalless draw with Italy in Pescara.

In a statement on the Arsenal website on Monday morning, the club confirmed that the Dutch striker is expected to be out of first-team action for six weeks.

Just as Wenger had feared, November was living up to her reputation as the month for the first muddy pitches, fatigued players, mistakes and injuries.

Just when everything seemed to be going so smoothly: goals flying in; the team playing with cohesion, confidence and joy....

Just when the fixture list was producing important crunch meetings with major rivals - Chelsea at home on November 29, Liverpool away on December 12 - and, of course, the final two Champions League group stage clashes on November 24 and December 9, plus the Carling Cup trip to Manchester City on December 2...

Yes, that's six big games in 14 days (including Stoke's league visit in that period and leaving out the home clash with Standard Liege).

So, with van Persie out until January, Nicklas Bendtner also out until mid-December, Carlos Vela only just on the brink of a comeback after injury and Theo Walcott also absent, the Gunners appear to have a firepower problem at the worst possible time.

Keeping Eduardo, the only recognised and experienced striker who is fit and available, injury free is now essential if the dazzling autumnal form and goal-glut is to continue.

Gunner down | Van Persie damaged ligaments

On the upside, however, Ramsey's last two outings - for Arsenal at Wolves and then for Wales in Cardiff - have seen him prove that he is, at 18, a player of huge potential.

Schooled well by Wenger and his staff, he has developed into a magisterial midfielder whose high level of talent and imagination on Saturday earned him not only rave reviews, but comparisons with Cesc Fabregas.

"He is very special and lovely to watch... just a fantastic footballer," said the former Wales captain Gary Speed.

"He reminded me of Cesc Fabregas, especially when he went through for his goal. If anyone can nurture a talent, it is Arsene and, in that respect, Ramsey is very, very lucky."

Wales team-mate David Edwards predicted that Ramsey has the talent to emulate Fabregas.

"Aaron is not 19 until Christmas, so he's going to be a great player. He's going to be one of the best in Europe when he gets into his prime.

"I played against him last week and he was probably Arsenal's best player. He ran the show. He's got such a mature head for a lad of his age. He brings the best out of everyone. The way we played does give him a little bit more space and, when he gets in there, he's deadly."

All the high praise will do little to ease Wenger's dilemma.

He now has a plethora of high-quality midfield players, but, Eduardo and Vela apart, a shortage of centre-forwards.

Should he promote Sanchez Watt and rotate him with Eduardo to keep the Croatian in prime condition for the key clash with Chelsea? Or hurry Vela back to action for the same duties?

Or ask someone else - perhaps Abou Diaby - to demonstrate versatility by playing as a central striker? Or, maybe, gamble on using Ramsey up front and see what happens?

Mumble, mumble, mumble... it is a tricky choice.

But fingers should be crossed everywhere for van Persie's recovery. His recent form has been excellent and it would be a pity for a wider audience than that made up of Arsenal's fans alone if his injury was to undermine their wonderful opening to the season and a championship race that has promised to be memorable.

Tim Collings