Dutchman van Persie out of United clash
Robin van Persie still struggling with groin injury
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Thursday, 23, Apr 2009 09:54
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been ruled out of the first-leg of the Champions League semi-final clash against Manchester United.
The Dutchman has been out of action since the quarter-final tie against Villarreal with a groin injury and will miss the game at Old Trafford after failing to fully recover from the injury.
Despite the setback on van Persie, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also received some positive news on the injury front. Key trio Manuel Almunia, Johan Djourou and Emmanuel Adebayor should be fit to face United next Wednesday.
"Robin van Persie is definitely out for Sunday (against Middlesbrough) and for Manchester United," confirmed Wenger.
"Manuel Almunia was in full training today (Thursday) and we will see how he responds. Djourou was in full training also so we will see how he is too. Both could come back into the squad.
"It is not enough training to say (for sure) yet, we need 48 hours more. Emmanuel Adebayor should come back into training on Saturday. He could be in the squad."
Gunners youngster Kieron Gibbs looks set to play in the semi-final as Gael Clichy is still a while away from returning from injury. Wenger was hopeful his first-choice left-back would be fit to play in the second-leg at the Emirates on May 5th.