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Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Robin van Persie will miss Arsenal's UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester United next week.
The Gunners take on the holders in the first leg of their semi-final contest at Old Trafford on Wednesday, in a game being shown live on Sky Sports 2 and HD2 at 7.45pm.
With Europe now representing the club's only chance to pick up some silverware this term, the north London outfit were desperate to have key men available.
However, Dutch striker Van Persie will be forced to watch on from the sidelines as he continues to nurse a groin problem.
On a more positive note, Wenger is set to welcome Manuel Almunia, Johan Djourou and Emmanuel Adebayor back into his first team fold for Sunday's home date with Middlesbrough.
"We will rotate a little bit again, but we have no major injuries from Liverpool (on Tuesday)," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"Manuel Almunia was in full training today (Thursday) and we will see how he responds. Djourou was in full training also so we will see how he is too. Both could come back into the squad.
"It is not enough training to say [for sure] yet, we need 48 hours more. Emmanuel Adebayor should come back into training on Saturday. He could be in the squad.
"But Robin van Persie is definitely out for Sunday and for Manchester United.
"Gael Clichy could be back for the second Manchester United game (on 5th May). He has a scan on Monday. We'll go from there. He has a chance to be back in full training next week
The Gunners take on the holders in the first leg of their semi-final contest at Old Trafford on Wednesday, in a game being shown live on Sky Sports 2 and HD2 at 7.45pm.
With Europe now representing the club's only chance to pick up some silverware this term, the north London outfit were desperate to have key men available.
However, Dutch striker Van Persie will be forced to watch on from the sidelines as he continues to nurse a groin problem.
On a more positive note, Wenger is set to welcome Manuel Almunia, Johan Djourou and Emmanuel Adebayor back into his first team fold for Sunday's home date with Middlesbrough.
"We will rotate a little bit again, but we have no major injuries from Liverpool (on Tuesday)," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"Manuel Almunia was in full training today (Thursday) and we will see how he responds. Djourou was in full training also so we will see how he is too. Both could come back into the squad.
"It is not enough training to say [for sure] yet, we need 48 hours more. Emmanuel Adebayor should come back into training on Saturday. He could be in the squad.
"But Robin van Persie is definitely out for Sunday and for Manchester United.
"Gael Clichy could be back for the second Manchester United game (on 5th May). He has a scan on Monday. We'll go from there. He has a chance to be back in full training next week