Van Persie comes back for Gunners

Robin van Persie was a surprise inclusion in Arsenal’s starting line-up for tonight’s Champions League clash with Steaua Bucharest.

Van Persie has not featured since October 7 after sustaining a knee injury on international duty for Holland and was expected to be named on the bench.

Veteran keeper Jens Lehmann was recalled for his first appearance since August 19 after falling out of favour with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger upon his return from a injury.

England youngster Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner were named in an attacking line-up as the Gunners sought to top Group H.

Wenger was serving a one-match touchline ban as punishment for his sending-off at Sevilla last month.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Traore, Walcott, Song Billong, Denilson, Diaby, Van Persie, Bendtner.

Subs: Fabianski, Toure, Diarra, Eduardo, Silva, Adebayor, Eboue.

Steaua Bucuresti: Zapata, Emeghara, Goian, Rada, Nesu, Neaga, Petre, Lovin, Cristocea, Dica, Badea.

Subs: Cernea, Golanski, Bicfalvi, Baciu, Marin, Zaharia, Surdu.

Referee: Yuri Baskakov (Russia)