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Arsenal star Van Persie will miss Barcelona showdown after being ruled out for three weeks
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 7:08 PM on 1st March 2011
Arsenal have been dealt another injury blow with news that Robin van Persie will be out of action for three weeks, ruling him out of the showdown with Barcelona.
Van Persie, 27, injured his right knee in scoring his 13th goal in 11 games this year in Arsenal's 2-1 Carling Cup final defeat against Birmingham on Sunday.
The Dutchman has been in fine form lately, and scored Arsenal's equaliser in their first leg win over Barcelona last month.
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Crocked: Van Persie picked up the injury in the build up to his equaliser
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: 'Unfortunately, we had bad news on the scan and he will be out for the next three weeks for sure.
'It could be longer. The shortest delay we can imagine is three weeks (so) he is definitely out for Barcelona.'
Wenger also described Cesc Fabregas as a 'possible' for the Nou Camp trip after revealing he is making quick progress in his rehabilitation from a hamstring problem.
'He is making quick and good progress. It is possible,' he said.
Theo Walcott, who had already been ruled out against Barcelona, remains a fortnight away from recovering from his sprained ankle.
'He is out. We said from the day he got the injury against Stoke you could count three weeks,' said Wenger.
There was more positive news concerning Alex Song, who picked up a knee injury at Wembley. Wenger confirmed he would miss the FA Cup replay against Leyton Orient on Wednesday night, but should be fit for the Barcelona clash.
'Alex Song has a knee problem as well. From his scan we had good news, it is only blood from a kick on the outside of his knee.
'He is out for Leyton Orient and has a very small chance for Saturday. But he has a good chance for Barcelona.'
Agony: The Dutchman picked up his injury at Wembley on Sunday
Wenger also said that Manuel Almunia would play instead of Laurent Koscielny against Orient.
'Koscielny has a tight hamstring. There is a little bit of fatigue in there as well so we will give him a breather.
'Almunia needs games so he will play but Wojciech is alright and will be on the bench.
'Diaby was not in the squad on Sunday. I was cautious with him. He has missed many games this season and I did not want to take a gamble with the intensity of a cup final. He will play on Wednesday night.
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 7:08 PM on 1st March 2011
Arsenal have been dealt another injury blow with news that Robin van Persie will be out of action for three weeks, ruling him out of the showdown with Barcelona.
Van Persie, 27, injured his right knee in scoring his 13th goal in 11 games this year in Arsenal's 2-1 Carling Cup final defeat against Birmingham on Sunday.
The Dutchman has been in fine form lately, and scored Arsenal's equaliser in their first leg win over Barcelona last month.
Enlarge
Crocked: Van Persie picked up the injury in the build up to his equaliser Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: 'Unfortunately, we had bad news on the scan and he will be out for the next three weeks for sure.
'It could be longer. The shortest delay we can imagine is three weeks (so) he is definitely out for Barcelona.'
Wenger also described Cesc Fabregas as a 'possible' for the Nou Camp trip after revealing he is making quick progress in his rehabilitation from a hamstring problem.
'He is making quick and good progress. It is possible,' he said.
Theo Walcott, who had already been ruled out against Barcelona, remains a fortnight away from recovering from his sprained ankle.
'He is out. We said from the day he got the injury against Stoke you could count three weeks,' said Wenger.
There was more positive news concerning Alex Song, who picked up a knee injury at Wembley. Wenger confirmed he would miss the FA Cup replay against Leyton Orient on Wednesday night, but should be fit for the Barcelona clash.
'Alex Song has a knee problem as well. From his scan we had good news, it is only blood from a kick on the outside of his knee.
'He is out for Leyton Orient and has a very small chance for Saturday. But he has a good chance for Barcelona.'
Agony: The Dutchman picked up his injury at Wembley on SundayWenger also said that Manuel Almunia would play instead of Laurent Koscielny against Orient.
'Koscielny has a tight hamstring. There is a little bit of fatigue in there as well so we will give him a breather.
'Almunia needs games so he will play but Wojciech is alright and will be on the bench.
'Diaby was not in the squad on Sunday. I was cautious with him. He has missed many games this season and I did not want to take a gamble with the intensity of a cup final. He will play on Wednesday night.