Van Persie back for Gunners

Arsene Wenger have Robin Van Persie back for tomorrow night’s Carling Cup semi-final return leg against Wigan at Highbury.

Captain Thierry Henry is also named in Wenger’s squad amid speculation that he will start the game along with defender Sol Campbell.

Van Persie has been sidelined with a toe problem and was close to a return against Everton. However, boss Wenger opted to save him for the visit of Wigan as Arsenal seek to overturn a one goal deficit to reach the final.

The Gunners remain without Pascal Cygan (hamstring) and Ashley Cole (thigh) and new signing Theo Walcott is cup-tied.

However, Kerrea Gilbert retains his place in the squad while Abou Diaby, signed from Auxerre, is eligible to play.

Provisional squad: Almunia, Poom, Djourou, Flamini, Diaby, Hleb, Gilbert, Lauren, Campbell, Senderos, Gilberto, Pires, Reyes, Bergkamp, Van Persie, Henry.