Friday Mar 07 2008 07:49
Arsenal will be without both Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby for Saturday's trip to Wigan Athletic after the duo were struck down by injury.
Midfielder Diaby picked up a calf problem during Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League win over AC Milan at the San Siro.
Meanwhile, Walcott picked up a thigh injury while taking part in a behind-closed-doors game against Colorado Rapids on Thursday.
Robin van Persie continued his comeback from injury by playing an hour of the match, but is unlikely to start against the Latics.
"From Tuesday night we lost Abou Diaby. He has got a problem on his other calf," manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"We also lost Theo Walcott. He played against Colorado Rapids and he got a little thigh problem.
"Robin played an hour and he looks okay. But it looks early for him, he finished the game very tired today so I will have to analyse that.
"We have a little chance to get Kolo (Toure) back in the squad and a little, little chance to get (Alex) Song back.
"As for Tomas Rosicky, it is difficult to say. We hope he'll be back in 10 or 12 days."
Meanwhile, an unhappy Wenger has hit out at claims from former Gunner David Bentley that Walcott should leave the north London club for the sake of his career.
The Blackburn Rovers and England midfielder claimed Walcott should seek a move in a bid to play more first-team football.
"Bentley is entitled to his opinion but it does not mean he is right," countered Wenger.
"I don't know why one player should incite another player to leave a club. It is not his job.
"I believe Theo can establish himself here. He is 18 and at that age to play in one of the biggest clubs in the world in a regular position is very difficult.
"When he comes on he makes a big impact. He's not there completely yet when he starts a game."
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