Gunners set for fitness boost

20110331

Arsenal quartet on course for Rovers return

Last updated: 31st March 2011  

Van Persie: Fitness test

Fabregas: Recovered from hamstring problem

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Arsenal are set to be boosted by the return of four key players for Saturday’s home game against Blackburn.

The Gunners lost ground in the Premier League title race as they had to come from behind for a 2-2 draw at West Brom last time out.

Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Alex Song (knee), Theo Walcott (ankle) and Abou Diaby (groin) were all ruled out for the trip to the Hawthorns, which allowed Manchester United to go five points clear.

But the Arsenal quartet will be back in contention for the Gunners, who have a game in hand on United.

“They will all be available,” manager Arsene Wenger told the club’s official website.

“I have not decided if they will start the game yet but they will all be available.”

Minor niggles

Wenger is also hopeful that Robin van Persie (knee), Nicklas Bendtner (ankle) and Aaron Ramsey (groin) will be fit enough to keep their place in the squad after picking up minor problems on international duty this week.

The French boss will make a final decision on the trio after training on Friday, with Brazilian midfielder Denilson (toe) Wenger’s only definite absentee.

“Van Persie has a good chance,” he added. “He has a final assessment tomorrow but we believe he will be fit. It is a bruised knee.

“Nicklas Bendtner is in the same situation. He will have a test tomorrow on his ankle and we’ll see.

“In fact, we have a few players with tests tomorrow – Ramsey with his groin, Bendtner with his ankle, Van Persie with his knee. I will make a decision after training in the morning.

“We just have Denilson out. It is short-term. We have one or two players with question marks but all the other players will be available.”

Arsenal v Blackburn. Click here to bet.

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