The Dutch striker returned from a thigh injury in the Carling Cup semi-final against Spurs, only to feel “something go” that forced him off at half time.After the game it emerged that he had suffered a recurrence of the original thigh problem, which has now left him recuperating in his native Holland.
While Wenger admits he should have taken more time with his forward, he still feels that van Persie's injury is not a “long-term” issue.
"Maybe we made a mistake to play him in the Carling Cup, because we wanted to rush him a little bit back after the muscular problems and were not cautious enough maybe on the night," he said.
"This time we will have to be very patient, but we do not think it will be a long-term problem.
"When a player has waited for so long and is ready to play, you are under pressure a bit from him as well because he feels he can play.
"Also, when you have been out for a few months, you need some games to get back to your best. You want to give him those games as soon as possible.
"At the end of the day, I do not feel we made the right decision to play him on the night."
Furthermore, Wenger insisted that there was not much van Persie could do in London and that the player would probably fare better with his recovery in his homeland.
"A football club is not a hospital. It is made for players who play, not for those who cannot play or are sick," he said.
"It is very depressing for them to come in every day and see their partners going out and playing, when he cannot.
"Sometimes it is better to get them away for 10 days where they have a completely different environment. It makes them feel better."
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