Thomas Rosicky was also a victim of the Birmingham match with a knee problem, but Wenger believes he will be okay for next weekend. With Eduardo still not ready to return after his setback, and Nicklas Bendtner still out after being injured in training last week, it is expected that Robin Van Persie will be left as the lone striker back in his native Holland tonight, unless Carlos Vela gets promoted to play alongside him.
Wenger was forced to use Eduardo against Olympiakos in the last Champions League match and as it backfired he may give him more recovery time this time around.
Wenger is more than confident that Van Persie can handle the job of main striker now that Adebayor has gone to Man City.
Wenger said: “He’s much stronger physically now,”.
“I think he’s a Van Basten type, by which I mean he’s a technical centre forward. He has that classy first touch, sharp movement and a short back-lift.
“I always thought he was more a first striker than second striker.”
Gael Clichy also picked up a knock, but has travelled to Alkmaar for tonights Champions League match and is expected to recover in time.
Sami Nasri and Lukas Fabianski are close to recovery and will get their first playing time this season in an Arsenal reserve match against Wolves tonight.
Vito Mannone made a costly error against Birmingham, and it is widely thought that Manuel Almunia will regain the goalkeepers jersey in Holland this evening. But with Fabianski playing with the reserves, Mannone will be on the bench.
Denilson is not expected back until next month and Djourou will be lucky if he gets to play another game this season.
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