Arsene Wenger hopes to have Cesc Fabregas back for next week's trip
to Bolton after ruling the skipper out of Arsenal's clash with
Everton.
Fabregas, 22, aggravated his hamstring injury during a cameo
against Aston Villa 12 days ago and there were hopes of the Spain
midfielder returning to face David Moyes' men - but instead he will
be pencilled in for the Premier League trip to the Reebok Stadium
next weekend.
"Fabregas should be available for Bolton and (Gael) Clichy is
not far," Wenger said.
Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue are at the African Nations Cup
but Wenger's options have at least been bolstered by Tomas
Rosicky's return from a groin problem in the same week the Czech
Republic midfielder signed a new contract at the club.
Denilson and Andrey Arshavin were scheduled to return for the
midweek clash at home to Bolton that was eventually postponed due
to snow.
"Basically [our squad] is exactly the same as it was before
the Bolton game, apart from Tomas Rosicky," said Wenger.
"We have a good hope that we will get him back in the squad.
But he is the only one that should come back.
"He missed out at West Ham because of a groin injury. He has
little problems but when you go back to the scan it always comes
back reassuring.
"I believe that is down to the fact that he has not played
for such a long time and that his body has to readapt again. But
now he is back and completely fit."
It means Nicklas Bendtner (groin), Theo Walcott (side
strain), Gael Clichy (back), Kieran Gibbs (foot), Robin van Persie
(ankle) and Johan Djourou (knee) remain out.
The extent of Bendtner's groin problem will be discovered
later this week when he undergoes tests.
"When Bendtner (groin) comes back on Friday, we'll assess
him," Wenger confirmed. "But I am not sure when he will come back."
