Ivorian duo back in contention

Welcome return by African stars ahead of cup clash

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 12th February 2008

toure kolo

Toure: Vital to Wenger

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Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue could be handed an immediate return to the Arsenal first team against Manchester United on Saturday.

The duo only arrived back from Africa Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast on Monday, but with both expected to report for training on Tuesday, Arsene Wenger is hoping that they will be available for the weekend's FA Cup fifth round clash.

While throwing the pair straight into such an important game after a gruelling international tournament may be far from ideal, Wenger has seen his squad decimated by injuries of late.

With Manuel Almunia, Abou Diaby, Robin van Persie, Denilson and Johan Djourou all set to miss the Old Trafford encounter, the Gunners boss has welcomed the return of the defensive duo along with that of midfielder Tomas Rosicky.

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"Kolo and Eboue came back today (Monday) so we hope to see them tomorrow to see if they're not injured," Wenger told reporters after Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Blackburn on Monday night.

"Rosicky, he looks better. Van Persie looks better, but he is still a few weeks away. But Rosicky maybe has a little chance for Saturday."