The loss of Holland striker Van Persie for at least six weeks with ankle ligament damage is a major blow but manager Arsene Wenger feared the player would be out for longer.
Gibbs looks set to be back in action for the visit of Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea at the end of the month after he sustained bruising to his foot after initial fears that the defender had broken a bone.
This comes as a boost to Wenger who has a lengthy injury list that includes Lukasz Fabianski, Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky.
in hospital
"We knew when Robin came out with this injury that he would be out for a long time, but frankly I feared it would be more because the first news was very, very bad. So it was a relief that he would be out for six weeks," Wenger said."Of course it is a disappointment and something we did not want, but I feel we have enough strength to compensate for his absence for a while.
"It will also allow him to be fresh for when he comes back."
On the subject of Gibbs, he added: "Our medical staff called me saying he was in hospital in Lithuania with a suspected broken metatarsal.
"Later on, it was much better news. He will still be out for Sunderland, but maybe we could have him back for (the Champions League match with) Standard Liege on Tuesday."
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