No fear factor for Reyes after return to form
Sol Campbell, Freddie Ljungberg and Ashley Cole have all shaken off injury problems to face Bolton, while Dennis Bergkamp faces a fitness test.
Thierry Henry is also set to return after being rested in last weekend’s FA Cup win over Stoke, when Reyes led the attack alongside Robin van Persie.
The Spanish winger struck the equaliser at Highbury with his eighth goal of the season but only his second since October 2.
Asked if he had been worried by the physical nature of English football, he insisted: “It would be easy for me to say that, but I’m not going to. I got kicked a lot while playing in Spain for Sevilla, but you get used to it. It is tough here in England but I enjoy it.
“It’s football, the game I love, so it doesn’t bother me. There was no real reason for my barren spell. If there was a reason, then I would have tried to fix it.
“Things just weren’t going right for me and for the team in general. Hopefully though, that is now behind me.”
Reyes will be looking to partner Henry or return to the left flank against Bolton, but the competition for places is finally strong again following an easing of Arsenal’s injury problems.
The return of Campbell and Cole to a defence missing Lauren and Pascal Cygan is much-needed, while Ljungberg could slot into midfield.
“Thierry Henry will be back in contention, as will Sol Campbell and Freddie Ljungberg,” assistant manager Pat Rice revealed.
“Ashley Cole is fine and has been back in training, but Lauren will probably need another week along with Mathieu Flamini.
Meanwhile, Edu’s future looks set to be decided next week as the midfielder decides whether to sign a deal at Highbury or be sold.
The 26-year-old is still looking for more than the reported five- year deal on offer of £30,000 a week, with Valencia and Barcelona said to be interested.
Agent Jerome Anderson said: “Talks are ongoing with Arsenal and I think a decision could be made next week.”
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