Premiership: Vieira return a boost for the Gunners

Midfield lynchpin Patrick Vieira has been declared fit to lead Arsenal’s attempt to revive their title challenge at Everton tomorrow, although Tony Adams’ comeback plans have been delayed.

Five Arsenal players were put through fitness tests today and while Vieira, David Seaman, Lee Dixon and Francis Jeffers all came through, Adams is not included in the squad for tomorrow’s game.

Vieira’s fitness is especially important after the Gunners conceded a late equaliser at home to Southampton last weekend following the Frenchman’s enforced substitution due to a tight hamstring.

Arsenal are already without Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp through suspension, Fredrik Ljungberg, Ashley Cole and Martin Keown due to injury and Kanu and Lauren on international duty.

Jeffers, who has not played a first-team game since late September due to injury problems, will make the bench on his return to his former club.

But while Dixon could also feature at some stage, Seaman will also be on the bench while Richard Wright continues in goal for the time being.

As for Adams, there were positive signs when he came through a second reserves game on Thursday, but Arsene Wenger is determined not to risk such an important squad member just yet after a long-running ankle problem.

Team (from): Wright, Seaman, Dixon, Luzhny, Campbell, Upson, Stepanovs, Vieira, Grimandi, van Bronckhorst, Inamoto, Edu, Parlour, Henry, Wiltord, Jeffers.