Van Persie missed the midweek draw with Liverpool with a groin injury and has now been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Middlesbrough and the first leg at Old Trafford next Wednesday. But the Gunners could welcomeback goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, defender Johan Djourou and striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
Almunia and Djourou returned to training yesterday, with Adebayor set to start full work again tomorrow. But Gael Clichy is still ruled out with a back problem and is aiming to be fit for the second leg against United on May 5.
Manager Arsene Wenger said: “Almunia was in full training and we’ll see how he responds. Djourou was in full training also, so we’ll see how he is too. Both could come back into the squad.
“Adebayor should come back into training on Saturday and he could be in the squad. But Van Persie is definitely out.”
Despite his absence, Van Persie is ready to join Theo Walcott in committing his future to Arsenal. Walcott is putting the finishing touches on a new contract that will make him one of the club’s highest paid players and Van Persie is now prepared to follow suit.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
