Szczesny could retain place

17 December 2010 10:00
Wojciech Szczesny could continue in goal for Arsenal against Stoke if Lukasz Fabianski fails to recover from a hip problem. The Gunners have no fresh injury concerns following Monday's 1-0 defeat at Barclays Premier League title rivals Manchester United, but striker Nicklas Bendtner is likely to miss the match at Emirates Stadium as he awaits the birth of his child. Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott are all pressing for a start after coming off the bench at Old Trafford, but goalkeeper Manuel Almunia will be out for at least another three weeks after he suffered an ankle injury. Midfielder Abou Diaby (ankle) is back in full training, while centre-half Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) could return in January.

Source: PA