Diaby doubtful for Blues trip

Eduardo misses out through injury

Last updated: 4th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Diaby doubtful for Blues trip

Diaby: Fitness race

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Arsene Wenger is sweating on the fitness of Abou Diaby ahead of the clash with Chelsea, while Eduardo is definitely out.

Diaby has been working on his fitness in recent days after suffering a calf injury in Arsenal's 4-2 victory over Bolton.

He has not yet returned to full training but Wenger hopes to have him available for the crucial trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

Eduardo has not recovered as quickly as expected from a hamstring problem, while Carlos Vela (knee) is also missing.

The news is better on Sol Campbell and Theo Walcott, who are both in contention after shaking off niggles.

"Diaby is not yet back in normal training," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. "He progresses very well but we will still have to wait until Saturday. He is a maybe.

"Campbell is back in squad, Eduardo is already ruled out. We still have Carlos Vela out too.

"Apart from that [there are no more changes from last Sunday]. Theo is back and available. Diaby is the question mark we have. All the others are longer-term injuries."

Patient

Johan Djourou (knee) and Robin van Persie (foot) are two such players who have been out for a long time and Wenger admits they will not be rushed back.

"It is still two months for Johan," he said. "We have to be patient with him. He is working well and progressing well. But he is not an immediate resource.

"For Robin, the rehabilitation is going well but anything before April would be a little bit premature."