Source: Team_Talk
Wenger plays down RVP expectations
The Holland striker has been on the sidelines since suffering a serious ankle injury while away on international duty in November.[LNB]Van Persie, who had scored eight goals in 15 appearances before his setback, has made a good recovery, and has now returned to the Gunners' London Colney training complex to complete his rehabilitation.[LNB]Wenger remains cautiously optimistic the 26-year-old could yet play some part in the final few matches of the season, when Arsenal hope to still be chasing domestic and European honours.[LNB]However, the Gunners boss declared: "Do not expect miracles when a guy has been out for such a long time.[LNB]"We are, though, happy to have him back and he is physically, fitness-wise, in good shape.[LNB]"We have just to get him back to full team fitness - that will take two to three weeks maximum.[LNB]"After that you have to get a few games to get back to your best.[LNB]"It is very difficult to predict.[LNB]"Physically it looks all good, but after that when he plays in games you have to see how his ankle responds."[LNB]Van Persie even went to Serbia for radical treatment using massage with a horse placenta to try to help the healing process when he discovered the true extent of his injury.[LNB]Wenger reflected: "When you are hit by injury, the first three weeks are very difficult.[LNB]"I believe that is behind him now, once you start to practice again.[LNB]"The most important thing at that age is to be tired at night - when you can train, you can deal better with the frustration.[LNB]"When you lie at home at the start of your injury and cannot even do anything, it is very frustrating.[LNB]"I believe the hardest time is behind him."[LNB]Defender William Gallas, meanwhile, is another player who is on the recovery trail having missed the past seven matches because of a niggling calf problem.[LNB]"He is back today from his rehabilitation and will be back in full training over the next couple of days," said Wenger.[LNB]"But he is too short to be available for the weekend of course and certainly as well for Barcelona game on Wednesday.[LNB]"We have to assess him, it is too early to say [whether he is available for Wolves]."[LNB]Gallas, 32, has yet to agree a new deal with Arsenal, and can talk to other clubs as he is out of contract in the summer.[LNB]Wenger said: "In the next two or three weeks we will not deal with any contract because we have games every three days and we will focus on our targets.[LNB]"I feel we are winning the battle to keep him, but in this domain you have to be open and be ready for anything.[LNB]"He is in a position where he is free to sign for anybody he wants. Tomorrow somebody could come up and offer him a massive amount of money and I don't know if he will sign or not.[LNB]"William knows we want to keep him and that we make an effort - but it has to be, as it always has been historically, within our set budget."[LNB][LNB] Birmingham v Arsenal. Click here to bet.
