Arsenal forward Robin van Persie is set to return to action on Wednesday night against Tottenham at White Hart Lane after sustaining ankle ligament damage during an international friendly last November.
While it is definitely still questionable to bring Van Persie back into play ahead of schedule, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has made it public that Arsenal has missed Van Persie’s ability to find the back of the net for much of this season.
Wenger, said, ”There is always a gamble in this kind of decision. But in his (Van Persie’s) case we have been a bit more cautious because he has had more time for preparation.
”The biggest gamble I took recently was with Gallas. It didn’t work, but he came back from a muscular problem, that is not the case for Robin. It was a joint problem.
”When I pick a player it means he is fit and sharp and has worked very hard. Of course he lacks match-practice but physically he is ready, he is fit.”
Wenger has expressed his beliefs that if Van Persie had been healthy for much of this season, that Arsenal’s point total in the EPL standings would be much higher.
”He is a very important player for this club,” said Wenger. ”He is important for the confidence. He can make the final ball, he is good on set-pieces, he can score goals, so we are very happy to have him back. The sadness was that we lost him so early in the season.”
The loss of Van Persie was unquestionably costly for the Gunners after he netted seven goals in 11 games of play. Will his return help push the Gunners through the end of the season with the extra spark they’ve been looking for? Only time will tell.
Gunner fans, keep your fingers crossed and start pulling out your lucky rabbit’s feet… Van Persie is back in action.
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