Arsenal Football Club News

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

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Wenger rules out van Persie

28 Dec 2007 - 08:19:52

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled striker Robin van Persie out of Saturday's trip to Everton.

The Dutch forward, who made his first start for two months in the Champions League clash against Steaua Bucharest a fortnight ago, has picked up a minor injury problem and will not be risked against the Toffees.

Meanwhile, captain William Gallas is a doubt after suffering a foot injury in the Boxing Day goalless draw at Portsmouth.

"Van Persie will not play on Saturday," confirmed Wenger.

"We don't know about Gallas yet. He got a kick on his foot late in the first half."

Elsewhere, Gael Clichy is convinced the Gunners have the necessary quality to win the Premier League title despite losing top spot to Manchester United on Boxing Day.

He told the club's official website: "It's a shame we couldn't stay top until the new year but that's the way it is. Manchester United are a strong side, Liverpool and Chelsea as well.

"We know the race for the title is going to be tough. United went in front of us but let's do a good job at Everton at the weekend.

"We can be first again in the new year. It would be great for us and for the fans."