Robin Van Persie won’t return for Arsenal against West Ham on New Years Day. An article on Soccernet today quotes Wenger and states that the Dutch striker will sit out the West Ham game on Tuesday.
Van Persie returned briefly for Arsenal against Steaua in the Champions League but suffered a muscular injury that was described as “minor” by the Arsenal manager. However that injury has already seen him miss the Spurs game, the trip to Portsmouth and today’s visit to Everton.
Wenger proclaims Van Persie as a new signing for Arsenal when he eventually returns but makes it clear that he will not rush the striker back.
“It is a small injury – but if you want to win a horse race you need your horse to be 100%,” remarked Wenger.
A Premiership return against Birmingham on January 12 would appear to be on the cards then, with Arsenal likely to employ a weakened side against Burnley in the FA Cup next weekend.