Duo ruled out for Gunners

Robin van Persie and Laurent Koscielny will miss Arsenal’s Barclays Premier League match with Stoke tomorrow after picking up hamstring and back injuries respectively.

Manager Arsene Wenger described the injuries as “short-term” and hopes the key duo will be fit for Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Birmingham.

Johan Djourou missed the FA Cup draw with Leyton Orient with a back problem but is now fully fit and will start at the Emirates Stadium. Abou Diaby is suspended and long-term absentees Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) and Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder) remain sidelined.

Team (from): Szczesny, Eboue, Clichy, Song, Djourou, Arshavin, Wilshere, Walcott, Bendtner, Chamakh, Fabregas, Nasri, Almunia, Rosicky, Sagna, Denilson, Squillaci, Gibbs.