Parlour set for Arsenal return after lengthy lay-off

ARSENAL midfielder Ray Parlour has admitted his relief at returning from the longest injury of his career, and expressed the desire to consign the painful memory of his time on the sidelines to the past.

Having started his first game since September 21 in a reserve outing against Millwall, Parlour revealed he is even hoping to force his way into Arsene Wenger’s plans for Saturday’s Premiership clash at Manchester United. However, the 29-year-old former England international admits this is a very unlikely scenario as he must first concentrate on ensuring he does not suffer any relapse in his knee.

Goalkeeper David Seaman could still return for that game, with a tough work-out planned tomorrow to check whether his groin injury has recovered sufficiently, while Ashley Cole is also hopeful ahead of returning to full training after an ankle injury.