Gunners may axe Cup hero van Persie

ROBIN van Persie has proved to Arsene Wenger he is back to his best following a troubled start to the season - but the Dutch youngster could still find himself on the sidelines for the derby clash against Tottenham at the weekend.

The 22-year-old Holland international scored twice against Sunderland in a 3-0 Carling Cup win but Wenger has Jose Antonio Reyes returning from a rib injury and the Gunners will also have record goalscorer Thierry Henry available.

Van Persie has not started a Premiership game since the goalless draw against West Ham in September, and could be on the bench again with Dennis Bergkamp also in contention.