Crocked: Van Persie picked up the injury in the
build up to his equaliser
Arsenal have been dealt another injury blow with
news that Robin van Persie will be out of action for three weeks,
ruling him out of the showdown with Barcelona.
Van Persie, 27, injured his right knee in scoring his 13th
goal in 11 games this year in Arsenal's 2-1 Carling Cup final
defeat against Birmingham on Sunday.
The Dutchman has been in fine form lately, and scored
Arsenal's equaliser in their first leg win over Barcelona last
month.
'It could be longer. The shortest delay we can imagine is
three weeks (so) he is definitely out for Barcelona.'
Wenger also described Cesc Fabregas as a 'possible' for
the Nou Camp trip after revealing he is making quick progress in
his rehabilitation from a hamstring problem.
'He is making quick and good progress. It is possible,' he
said.
Theo Walcott, who had already been ruled out against
Barcelona, remains a fortnight away from recovering from his
sprained ankle.
'He is out. We said from the day he got the injury against
Stoke you could count three weeks,' said Wenger.
There was more positive news concerning Alex Song, who
picked up a knee injury at Wembley. Wenger confirmed he would miss
the FA Cup replay against Leyton Orient on Wednesday night, but
should be fit for the Barcelona clash.
'Alex Song has a knee problem as well. From his scan we
had good news, it is only blood from a kick on the outside of his
knee.
'He is out for Leyton Orient and has a very small chance
for Saturday. But he has a good chance for Barcelona.'
Agony: The Dutchman picked up his injury at Wembley
on Sunday
Wenger also said that Manuel Almunia would play
instead of Laurent Koscielny against Orient.
'Koscielny has a tight hamstring. There is a little bit of
fatigue in there as well so we will give him a breather.
'Almunia needs games so he will play but Wojciech is
alright and will be on the bench.
'Diaby was not in the squad on Sunday. I was cautious with
him. He has missed many games this season and I did not want to
take a gamble with the intensity of a cup final. He will play on
Wednesday night.'