Source: PA
Fabregas unlikely to join returning duo
Arsenal could have Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner back to bolster their attack for Saturday's visit of Birmingham - but captain Cesc Fabregas is "unlikely to be involved", according to manager Arsene Wenger.
Wenger has once again seen his options hit by injury with Walcott - who had been in fine early-season form - sidelined after suffering ankle ligament damage when playing for England in Switzerland on September 7.
Bendtner has not featured at all because of a niggling groin problem while Holland forward Robin van Persie managed only three appearances before suffering an ankle injury.
Wenger revealed Walcott and Bendtner could be back in the squad to face the Blues as Arsenal aim to halt a run of successive defeats in the Barclays Premier League which has left them seven points behind leaders Chelsea.
Fabregas, though, may need more time to recover from a hamstring problem, despite declaring himself fit during the international break, but England left-back Kieran Gibbs is available after his calf injury.
Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "Nicklas Bendtner is back in the squad and Kieran Gibbs is back too. Theo might be involved on Saturday as well. I might put him in the squad. I will see how he is, but he looks very, very sharp. The only uncertainty is his ankle but he might be involved. Cesc is very, very short and unlikely to be involved [on Saturday]. He has a little chance for Tuesday [in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk]."
