Robin van Persie feels that Arsenal's FA Cup replay with Leeds is a must-win game for the Gunners.
Gunners relying on strength in depth over busy period
Robin van Persie feels that Arsenal's FA Cup replay with Leeds is a must-win game for the Gunners, regardless of the team Arsene Wenger picks.
Arsenal have seen their squad stretched to its limit so far in January, with a hectic schedule that sees Wenger's side set to play their sixth game this month.
All eyes will be on the Arsenal manager's team selection ahead of Wednesday's Elland Road clash, with the Frenchman set to rotate his players once again.
Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey look set to return to the fold, while Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh will expect to be involved after both were unused substitutes during Saturday's win over West Ham.
Van Persie believes that, despite some stuttering performances in recent cup games, the Gunners have what it takes to progress.
"Those two cup games were not good enough, but against West Ham, everyone played really well and were fighting for each other," Van Persie told
Arsenal TV.
"This game is vital because we have a big chance. If we win against Leeds, then after that it will be a game against a lower league side again.
"I have looked at the draw, there are a lot of other Premier League teams playing each other, so lots of teams will go out, which means we have big chances to go further.
"We have the squad to go further because 90% of the squad are fit now and we can rotate a bit when needed.
"If you ask me, we will go for that [FA Cup] game as well."
Bench role
With so many key games on the horizon, the Dutch striker is resigned to the fact that he may not feature against Leeds.
However the 27-year-old is happy to play the team game and help when he can, even if that means coming off the bench for his manager.
"We had a little conversation last week over the game against Ipswich because I wanted to play and felt good," Van Persie added.
"The manager said: 'I know you want to play Robin, but you have to be patient because we have so many games coming up this month, I want you to be at your best for February, March and April'.
"I trust him. He has been in the game so long, and looks at everything, so if he says so, then it is right."
