Wenger Expresses Relief Over Arsenal Duo Kieran Gibbs & Van Persie's Injuries

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his relief that the injuries sustained by Robin van Persie and Kieran Gibbs on international duty turned out to be less serious than initially expected.

Van Persie damaged ankle ligaments playing for the Netherlands against Italy, whilst Gibbs limped out of England Under-21s' game in Lithuania having hurt his foot.

The Gunners have endured a tricky time with injury lately, but Wenger has also been boosted by the news that several key players are ready to resume first-team action.

"We knew that when Robin came out with this injury, that he would be out for a long time,” Wenger told his club's official website.

"But frankly I feared it would be more because the first news was very, very bad. So it was a relief that he would be out for six weeks.

"Of course it is a disappointment and something we did not want but I feel we have enough strength to compensate for his absence for a while. It will also allow him to be fresh for when he comes back.

"[As for Kieran], our medical staff called me saying he was in hospital in Lithuania with a suspected broken metatarsal. Later on it was much better news. He will still be out for Sunderland but maybe we could have him back for Standard Liege on Tuesday."

Lukasz Fabianski, Carlos Vela, Denilson and Armand Traore are all now off Wenger's injured list, and he confirmed to reporters that the Brazilian will be in the squad to face Sunderland on Saturday.

However, Andrey Arshavin could yet be a doubt for the visit to Wearside.

"We have no news yet on Andrey Arshavin," the Frenchman added.

“Theo Walcott [with a knee injury] is short [of fitness] for the weekend and so is Jack Wilshere [ankle injury]. But Denilson is available and in the squad for the weekend game. Traore and Vela are both fit and available.

“Fabianski is available too. [Nicklas] Bendtner is out for three more weeks and [Abou] Diaby has a little chance for Chelsea."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK