By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger believes that the recurrence of
Robin van Persie's thigh problem is "minor"
however the Dutchman will still miss the weekend game with
Birmingham because he has been struck down with flu.
The Arsenal striker was substituted just 45 minutes into his return
from injury against Tottenham on Wednesday night. It was feared
that Van Persie had aggravated the muscular problem in his thigh
that had kept him sidelined since mid-December. In his post-match
press conference, Wenger said the 24-year-old would be undergoing
tests in the morning. The vibes seem positive however a different
problem will prevent him being involved on Saturday at Emirates
Stadium.
"There is no real news because he got flu overnight,"
Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon. "He is in
bed and the doctor has gone over to see him. That means he is out
for Saturday's game anyway. But we don't believe it is a
real recurrence of the injury and it might be minor."
Both of Arsenal's starting centre backs picked up injuries
against Tottenham. One is out for Saturday and the other is
doubtful. But, even with
Kolo Toure and
Alex Song having left for the African Nations Cup, the manager
believes he can cope.
"Djourou
is out but
Senderos has not been completely assessed by the medical staff
yet," said Wenger. "We will know more about him on
Friday. The options are those who played last night or
Gilberto or
Sagna. So we have players. Everyone else is alright."
Arsenal TV Online subscribers will be able to see the full video
interview on Friday. In it, Arsène discusses:
- Reflections on the Tottenham game
- Arsenal's psychological edge
- the second leg
- the latest on Lehmann and Diarra
- Birmingham's progress this season
- the Arsenal connection at St Andrews
- the departure of Sam Allardyce from Newcastle
