Van Persie on bench for Marseille clash

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie was named as a substitute for this evening’s Champions League encounter with Marseille.

The Holland international was dropped to the bench for the Group F match after netting a hat-trick during the 5-3 defeat of Chelsea at the weekend.

Van Persie was replaced in attack by Park Ju-young, while in defence Carl Jenkinson came in for Johan Djourou.

Marseille manager Didier Deschamps also made two changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Mathieu Valbuena and Alou Diarra.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Andre Santos, Song, Arteta, Walcott, Ramsey, Gervinho, Park. Subs: Fabianski, Koscielny, Rosicky, van Persie, Djourou, Arshavin, Benayoun.

Marseille: Mandanda, Fanni, Diarra, N’Koulou, Morel, Diawara, Andre Ayew, Valbuena, Cheyrou, Jordan Ayew, Remy. Subs: Bracigliano, Azpilicueta, Gonzalez, Gignac, Kabore, Traore, Amalfitano.

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento (Italy)