Arsene Wenger confirmed that Robin Van Persie, Abou Diaby and Laurent Koscielny will all be out of Arsenal’s next game against Stoke City with injuries, although Diaby wold have missed the game with suspension anyway. Arsenal host Stoke on Wednesday, but Wenger is positive that the trio will all be fit for Sunday’s Carling Cup final clash against Birmingham where Arsenal have the chance to win some overdue silverware. Wenger said:
“We don’t have Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny available.”
“Everybody else is fit. Diaby is suspended. Van Persie has a hamstring problem and Koscielny a back problem.”
“Both are short term and they have a chance for the game on Sunday”
Johan Djourou has been in very good form this season, making up for the absence of Thomas Vermaelen alongside Koscielny in the centre of defence, and Wenger will welcome the Swiss back into the side after missing the F.A Cup draw against Leyton Orient. The Arsenal manager said:
“Johan Djourou is better and will play.”
The replay with Leyton Orient in the Cup isn’t going to help, as although Arsenal are favourites to win, it is another long 90 minutes and risks injuries or fatigue that they will not want in the lead up the back end of the season, as well as a second leg with Barcelona at the Nou Camp awaiting them.
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Submitted by DBSFootball
