Gunners still missing World Cup pair

Gunners still missing World Cup pair

Published Aug. 2, 2010 8:41 a.m. ET

The pair have been on extended leave following their World Cup exploits in South Africa, but are scheduled to return to the club later this week for the official photocall and Members Day at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday. While Holland forward van Persie is again set to be Arsenal's main attacking threat next season, the future of skipper Fabregas remains uncertain as the 23-year-old continues to be linked with Barcelona. Wenger, however, will not rush either man back into action - and the duo may even struggle to be fully match-fit for the opening Premier League match at Liverpool on August 15. "Against Legia Warsaw you will see the players we saw [in the Emirates Cup]," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. "I believe [Alex] Song will be short, you have a little chance to see Denilson and a very little chance to see [Abou] Diaby - but Fabregas and van Persie will not be ready." Despite the constant speculation over Fabregas' future, Wenger remained steadfast in his resolve the Gunners skipper was going nowhere as the issue continued to be raised during the Emirates Cup tournament, which Arsenal won following yesterday's 3-2 win over Celtic. However, the Gunners boss has also called for Fabregas to "clear the air" himself when he returns from holiday by making a public statement on his intentions.

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