It appears that Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira have come through their niggling injuries, and will both take their places against Manchester United later today.
The pair were excused from France’s midweek friendly against Holland, possibly through intervention from Arsene. It seems the extra time to recover from the bruising encounter last week has done wonders for both men. The good news continues as Thierry Henry has been declared injury free after his 2nd half appearance in the same friendly, although Wenger refused to confirm if he’d play.
Due to the numerous upcoming fixtures, Wenger will have to make full use of his squad. ‘Thierry’s okay, Pires and Vieira will play,’ commented Wenger, when prompted onto the subject of selection.
A ‘farce’ best describes the upcoming fixture situation, which will see Arsenal take on its four major domestic rivals in eight days. Wenger, who earlier blasted the FA for their decision commented, ‘It’s beyond common sense and I will have to make decisions to try and get through the four games with a chance of winning them.’
Injuries still hamper the return of Ray Palour, Ashley Cole and Pascal Cgyan, however Sylvain Wiltord is set to make his return to the squad for the midweek game against Chelsea. An injury cloud still hovers around Freddie Ljungberg, who was also rested for his country in midweek.
Future news will be relayed as it comes to hand.