Ljungberg gunning for action

FREDRIK LJUNGBERG has set his sights on returning to action for the final two games of Arsenal’s title run-in to provide Arsene Wenger’s side with a much-needed boost.

Wenger is already without Patrick Vieira this weekend against Leeds and must also assess how Gilberto Silva is feeling following his return from an exhausting midweek international trip with Brazil to Mexico.

The Arsenal boss is therefore relieved to find that Edu, who feared he would be ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, has made a quicker-than-expected recovery.

With Sol Campbell ruled out for the rest of the campaign through suspension, and injury doubts about Lauren and Pascal Cygan, Wenger will be pleased to have positive news about Ljungberg too.

The Swedish international thought he had broken his leg at Bolton last weekend following a clumsy challenge by Jay-Jay Okocha.

Ljungberg said: “I’ve had a scan and there is no break and no ligaments ruptured. I’m hoping I can play against Southampton next Wednesday.”

Meanwhile, Vieira and Emmanuel Petit will definitely not play for France in this summer’s Confederations Cup. Jacques Santini confirmed neither Arsenal captain Vieira nor Chelsea midfielder Petit would be able to participate in the tournament because of injury problems.

“Arsene Wenger told me that Patrick Vieira, who is being treated in the south (of France), cannot play in Arsenal’s remaining championship matches,” Santini told L’Equipe.

“So it is 99% certain that he will not be at the Confederations Cup.”