Pires returns as Ljungberg starts up front

Robert Pires returned to the Arsenal side for tonight’s Champions League clash with Ajax in Amsterdam.

The Frenchman recovered from a dead leg to start on the left of midfield, with youngster Mathieu Flamini in the centre and Freddie Ljungberg pushed up in support of striker Jose Antonio Reyes.

Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Gilberto were all injured, while Robin van Persie was suspended, along with goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, so Manuel Almunia came into the starting line-up.

Ajax coach Danny Blind also had his injury problems, but was able to call on midfielder Nigel de Jong, who passed a late fitness test, while Spanish defender Juanfran was on the bench.