Van Persie stays sidelined

Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal will not rush striker Robin van Persie back from his thigh injury ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium.

Nicklas Bendtner is in line to partner leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor in attack following Eduardo’s season-ending injury.

Midfielder Abou Diaby should return to the squad following three weeks out with a calf problem, while defender Kolo Toure (knee) is still out but could return against AC Milan in the Champions League next week.

Emmanuel Eboue is suspended tomorrow, while Alex Song (knee), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Johan Djourou (groin) remain sidelined.

Provisional squad: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Bendtner, Adebayor, Lehmann, J Hoyte, Denilson, Gilberto, Traore, Lansbury, G Hoyte.