The "signs look quite good" for Arsenal's injured
midfield trio ahead of the crucial Premier League clash with
Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Mathieu Flamini (thigh),
Cesc Fabregas and
Alex Hleb (both hamstring) are all back in training and
fighting to be fit for what could be a pivotal game in the title
race. A decision will be made as late as Sunday morning.
All three collected their injuries during a run of four away games
straddling the end of November and the start of December. Arsenal
returned home on Wednesday against Steaua Bucharest and, in that
game, were able to start Robin van Persie for the first time in two
months. He suffered no ill-effects and has been named in the squad
but Theo Walcott collected a knock on his knee against the Romanian
side. The England winger is definitely out and, of course, question
marks remain over those others.
"Who will make it, I don't know?" said Arsène
Wenger at his pre-match press conference. "We know Robin van
Persie will be available. As for Mathieu Flamini, Cesc and Alex
Hleb, the signs look quite good but we have to make a
decision."
The manager added that if Fabregas was passed fit he would play.
"Theo Walcott is out with a little knee problem," the
Frenchman continued. "That is a question of days and we feel
he should be OK for Tuesday maybe."