Persie

There has been speculation over the captain's future in recent weeks as Van Persie enters the final two years of his current contract.

Although, he admits he would like to see long-term absentee Robin van Persie back in action.

I haven't played as much, what with Van Persie coming back from injury, but for me, it's been a settling in period.

Van Persie's manager wants his skipper to stay for the long-term but he played down the matter at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

And if you've seen some of Robin van Persie's recent strikes, you know why hopes are rising among the side's substantial worldwide support.

That said, Wenger is happy to let Van Persie supplement his usual treatment with a more experimental approach.

"At this point I can say that my recovery is right on schedule, " Van Persie told the Sun.

I didn't consider [trying to sign him] because he is similar to Van Persie to Vela and Eduardo, who plays off the striker.

And in the absence of Cesc Fabregas, sidelined by a hamstring problem of his own, Van Persie will lead out the Gunners at Wembley.

However, Robin van Persie will have to wait a little longer before he is back in the first-team frame.

First choice when fit, Van Persie is a threat across the front line.

I heard of it [this form of treatment] for the first time when Van Persie called me and explained the situation to me and wanted to go.

Much will depend on the fitness of Van Persie and Robben, and the form of a suspect defence that remains their most obvious weakness.

Yet Sneijder and Van Persie are keeping up an old tradition by going into this competition on the back of a two-year dispute.

Van Persie added that five trophyless years at Arsenal are proof that great football does not always get its just deserts.

Wesley Sneijder has always had a big mouth, falling out with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie among others.

However I cannot isolate Robin van Persie up there the whole year. It does not work on a longer period.

Van Persie will not win balls in the air and add to this the lack of quality delivery from the full backs and they might as well stay back.

Van Persie may also be in contention for Holland's first World Cup qualifier when Bert van Marwijk's side tackle Macedonia next Wednesday.

Van Persie, who has been ruled out for Holland's qualifying match against Iceland, has picked up a hamstring problem.

And like his compatriot, Van Persie was as happy creating goals as scoring them.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie have plenty of qualities but clinical finishing is not one of them.

Robin van Persie, though, could be in contention as he was not included in the Dutch squad for their game in Ukraine.

Robin van Persie is the most popular with the kids and after missing most of the club season with an injury, will be raring to go.

Hiddink, full of admiration for the Arsenal striker these days, looks back with a smile on Van Persie's younger and wilder days.

Robin van Persie admits it would be foolish to take Olympiacos lightly when they visit Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Bergkamp, now a coach at Ajax, reckons Van Persie would be better utilised in a deeper, more creative role.

De Groot agrees but expects Van Persie to be a maker of chances rather than a taker of chances at Highbury.

Van Persie has already hit two goals in the competition so far this season - against Udinese and Borussia Dortmund.

Van Persie could have had more - he missed a penalty in the second half and hit the post just afterwards.

The striker has been hit with two charges by the FA relating to his alleged stamp on Robin van Persie and improper conduct.

Play hard And after another barren season, Van Persie says his side's intricate approach must be matched with some much-needed brawn.

Van Persie was in a rich vein of form before he suffered a broken metatarsal in mid-January.

Robin van Persie has earmarked Sebastian Larsson as one of Sunderland's major threats this weekend.

At the beginning of the season we started with Robin Van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, Alex Song and Abou Diaby.

"It was a great save, " he added, of De Gea's vital stop from Robin van Persie.

Then we lost Robin van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey for a long time, obviously until the end of the season.

His return to fitness will give Bendtner further competition for his place up front but the Dane is looking forward to Van Persie's return.

"When I look at Robin van Persie, he is the front player, but he is better in my old position, " Bergkamp told the Daily Mail.

Gervinho wants his on-field relationship with Robin van Persie to be a long-term one.

Van Persie - We have to win something Robin van Persie doesn't mind what Arsenal win this season - as long as they win something.

Skipper Van Persie was also full of praise for the travelling Arsenal fans, who sung their hearts out at Old Trafford.

ARSENE WENGER has warned Robin van Persie not to go looking for revenge against Emmanuel Adebayor today.

Thomas made a dream debut at Goodison Park, heading home Robin van Persie's free-kick to give Arsenal a two-goal lead.

Robin van Persie does NOT feel under pressure to fill Thierry Henry's goal-scoring boots this season.

Van Persie, however, did miss five months of last season with an ankle ligament injury.

Van Persie will miss Netherlands' European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Finland.

Van Persie also revealed that he has developed the mental aspect of his game this season.

People say they'll miss Henry but Van Persie has looked like a world beater in pre-season.

Van Persie turned in a highly impressive display in the win over Newcastle, scoring twice before his substitution in the 63rd minute.

However, neither Walcott nor Van Persie is an out-and-out centre-forward, while Vela has yet to make his Arsenal first-team debut.

The other ones like Senderos, Diaby, Lauren and Clichy are not back yet but Henry is and Van Persie should be.

Van Persie 56th-minute penalty goal but the referee out in the first place, scoring void.

Last week physio Colin Lewin told the Club's official website that Van Persie will return to full training 'imminently'.

A Robin van Persie double secured a fifth consecutive victory for The Gunners after a slow start to the season.

Another player who was spared a second international fixture in four days was Robin van Persie.

Van Persie knows Arsenal cannot afford another defeat if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League trophy.

The youngsters came in and we kept working hard but then we conceded the late goal to Van Persie.

The Arsenal captain scored a penalty, set up Justin Hoyte's first goal for the Club and earned a spot kick for Robin van Persie.

Arsenal captain Thierry Henry and Dutch striker Robin van Persie face fitness tests tomorrow.

Van Persie is currently Arsenal's leading goalscorer in the Premier League this season, with seven goals.

Robin van Persie is confident of forging a lethal strike partnership with Emmanuel Adebayor.

Speaking after the 5-0 win over Leyton Orient, the manager elaborated on the cause of the injury and Van Persie's expected recovery time.

Robin van Persie (knee) has been absent since October while Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (back) sat out the game at Villa Park.

Van Persie has since undergone a scan on the injury and reports in Holland claim that only bruising has been discovered.

But Gray says they can challenge again, insisting: "You could argue that keeping van Persie at the club is more important for Wenger. "

But Robin Van Persie's form prior to being sidelined made his long-term absence even tougher to take.

They have good quality players up front too, with (Robin) van Persie, who has been injured but is really good, and (Emmanuel) Adebayor.

A big plus from the Steaua game was the return from injury of Abou Diaby, who scored Arsenal's opening goal, and Robin van Persie.

Van Persie has been sidelined with injuries to both his thighs in 2008 but, speaking after the game, his manager was not overly concerned.

Robin van Persie has reiterated his commitment to Arsenal Football Club.

Van Persie sparkled in Holland's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Friday and his performance even impressed Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.

Robin van Persie established himself as a major international star in 2006.

Van Persie has been at Arsenal for seven years and is approaching his peak.

The same is true for Van Persie, who suffered his ankle injury at Blackburn a fortnight ago.

Speaking of which, Wenger also gave an update on the progress of Johan Djourou (knee) and Robin Van Persie (foot).

Robin van Persie and Laurent Koscielny will miss the crucial Premier League game with Stoke on Wednesday night.

Abou Diaby and Fran Merida will also miss the game, along with long-term absentees Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou.

At the Q&A Van Persie explained the reason for his switch.

I do get recognition from them, but I'm basically a different player than van Persie, van der Vaart, Sneijder and Robben.

When Van Persie was out and he played centrally, he did a good job.

As Van Persie said on signing, these ideals were more important than money.

"I want to say something about my commitment to Arsenal because there have been many stories in the media lately, " said Van Persie.

Arsenal go into the clash with a 2-1 lead but will be without Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott.

Van Persie said of the Vidic incident: "A clear penalty and in my opinion a straight red. "

That's the real problem . The referee should explain why van Persie can do it and Chelsea can't do it. The rules must be for everyone.

Robin van Persie is ready for the Arsenal captaincy.

Robin van Persie will not travel with the Holland squad when they head to Romania for their Euro 2008 qualifier this weekend.

I'm still in touch with Fabregas, Rosicky, and van Persie.

He is the captain of the team, with van Persie vice-captain, and they put a lot of pressure on themselves.

"I think it will be hard [for me if he goes], " admitted Van Persie.

Robin van Persie has told me many stories about the Premier League, Arsenal and Mr (Arsene) Wenger. Maybe he can put in a good word for me.

Manuel Amunia had taken the armband in recent games but Robin van Persie did the job in his absence last weekend.

Only me and Van Persie remain of that generation, and we have a lot of responsibility.

Van Persie, who was sent off in the 3-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Nou Camp, hopes Arsenal can learn from their mistakes.

Must the whole country take part in a meeting between Sneijder and Van Persie?

Van Persie is brilliant is that, he can turn and run with the ball.

Holland will be praying Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder can work together despite their simmering two-year spat