Robin van Persie
Van Persie set to resume training next week
By Richard Clarke
Robin van Persie is set to return to full training next week
but Arsène Wenger insists he will not be rushed back into the
side.
The Dutch striker last played for Arsenal on October 7 when he
struck twice in the 3-2 win over Sunderland at Emirates Stadium. He
picked up a knee injury in the international break that followed
and has been sidelined ever since.
Wenger's side may have gone on to pull four points clear of
their title rivals but there is certainly a clamour from the fans
to see the 24-year-old back in an Arsenal shirt. Speaking to
Arsenal TV Online on Thursday the manager was pleased at this new
development but, at the same time, was prepared to preach patience.
"Van Persie and [Abou] Diaby are not far," he said.
"From next week they will be back in normal training."
However Wenger added that a return against Steaua on Wednesday
"looks early".
"We have to see how he [Van Persie] responds to contact
training," the Frenchman went on. "Don't forget he
has been out for seven or eight weeks and has had no contact until
now so we might have to be a little bit patient."
As for the remaining three of Arsenal's injured midfield
quartet, none are likely to return at Middlesbrough this weekend.
And, the manager implied, there may be a need to wait for them as
well.
"We have no-one coming back for Sunday," said Wenger,
"and to put a date on that is very difficult. If you ask me
who will be the first to come back then I think it could be Mathieu
Flamini.
"Cesc and Alexander Hleb are on the same line but whether they
come back next week or in two weeks I don't know."
Arsenal TV Online subscribers will be able to see the full
interview on Friday morning. In it Wenger talks about: the draw
against Newcastle, why Arsenal are a second-half side, being
'only four points' clear, allegations of play-acting,
speculation over Jens Lehmann moving, Middlesbrough, Gareth
Southgate and Jeremie Aliadiere.
[Thursday, December 06, 2007]
More Arsenal News
-
Thu, May 24, 2012
'I know I have some big boots to fill’ -
Thu, May 24, 2012
‘Steve and I share same coaching philosophy’ -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Banfield - New role is a dream come true -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Bould and Banfield join first-team staff -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Bould - This shows strength of youth set-up -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part Four -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Kitchee FC on the verge of historic treble -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Player of the Season - Last chance to vote! -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Season Review 2011/12 - FA Cup -
Wed, May 23, 2012
'Premier League is as good as it's ever been'
