Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Cesc back to boost Gunners

03 Apr 2009 - 09:02:31

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Cesc Fabregas is set to make his first appearance for three months in Saturday's clash with Manchester City.

The Gunners skipper has been sidelined since December 21 with a knee ligament injury but has been included in the squad for the game at the Emirates Stadium.

Fit-again England forward Theo Walcott and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor will also return to action.

However, Wenger has confirmed that midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) and leading scorer Robin van Persie (groin) will both miss out with knocks picked up while on international duty with France and the Netherlands respectively this week.

The duo will join Croatia striker Eduardo Da Silva (groin) on the sidelines.

"Three players are out and there is a question mark over (Samir) Nasri, but Fabregas, Adebayor and Walcott are all back and available in the squad," Wenger told the club's official website.

"Cesc is ready to play again, but he needs three games to be back (at his best).

"We are due to play eight games in 25 days, which are all decisive."

The news of Fabregas' return comes hard on the heels of Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggesting his club could launch a move for their former youth team player in the summer.

He is reported as saying: "I would like very much to see Cesc wearing the shirt of Barcelona.

"He was formed in our academy and it's certain he would adapt to our system of play.

"We already have the best midfield in the world but you can always get better."