ARSENAL V Aston Villa: Van Persie still on the sidelines

Last updated at 10:28 29 February 2008

Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal will not rush striker Robin van Persie

back from his thigh injury ahead of Saturday's clash with Aston Villa at

Emirates Stadium.

Nicklas Bendtner is in line to partner leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor in

attack following Eduardo's season-ending injury.

Midfielder Abou Diaby should return to the squad following three weeks out with

a calf problem, while defender Kolo Toure (knee) is still out but could return

against AC Milan in the Champions League next week.

Emmanuel Eboue is suspended tomorrow, while Alex Song (knee), Tomas Rosicky

(hamstring) and Johan Djourou (groin) remain sidelined.

Provisional squad: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas,

Flamini, Hleb, Bendtner, Adebayor, Lehmann, J Hoyte, Denilson, Gilberto, Traore,

Lansbury, G Hoyte.