The first major team news going into the weekend comes from the Arsenal camp with Arsene Wenger confirming that Robin Van Persie should be amongst a string of players available for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle.
The Dutchman was a slight doubt going into the weekend having suffered a knock in the first half of the friendly with Benfica. Wenger has however offered us reassurance that the striker should figure at St James’ Park…
“From the players who played in the last game, everyone should be available.”
There’s more positive news on both Thomas Vermaelen, who was nursing a back complaint and Theo Walcott who has returned to training ahead of schedule following an ankle problem. Kieran Gibbs is also thought to be available and will likely claim the left-back berth.
With Aaron Ramsey and Andrei Arshavin both also given a clean bill of health, Arsenal’s resources look plentiful enough even without both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri who remain unlikely to figure. The Gunners will also be without both Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby in midfield.
Van Persie’s availability could now cause a shuffle within our Fantasy squads. Despite a testing opening three Gameweeks, Arsenal appear to have a run of fixtures during the first-half of the season which should hand the Dutchtman opportunity to flourish. The recent squad upheaval and the continuing doubts over Van Persie’s durability will be a concern but, even so, the Dutchman is currently owned by over 140,000 Fantasy Premier League managers – a figure which could be set to rise as the day progresses.
This early team news from the Emirates has been collated in our Team News section – keep popping back there for all the updates as today unfolds.
