Arshavin & Denilson Set To Return For Bolton Clash

Arsene Wenger looks set to welcome back Andrey Arshavin & Denilson for tomorrow nights Premiership clash with Bolton at the Emirates, but Cesc Fabregas will again miss out as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Lowly Wanderer’s have found themselves in a relegation scrap this season and currently hover in 18th place, but they will be looking to rip up the form book and spoil the party in a game that could have a huge impact on the title race.

Chelsea are the current pace-setters on 45 points, with Manchester United in second place a further 2 points back. However, the Gunners sit third on 41 points with a game in hand, and can leapfrog United simultaneously cutting the Blues’ lead to a solitary point with victory over a Bolton side that is rapidly closing in on the signature of Burnley manager Owen Coyle.

Wenger will likely name a much changed line up to the one that staged a battling comeback in Sunday’s FA Cup victory over West Ham, with Manuel Almunia, Abou Diaby & Samir Nasri set for recalls to the starting XI.

Wenger also confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Denilson, the young Brazilian midfielder, will step in for the absent Alex Song who departed for the African Cup of Nations in Angola following the weekend clash at Upton Park.

Song has been a commanding figure for the Gunners this season as well as being one of their most consistent performers, but Wenger is adamant that Denilson, who missed out with a back injury at the weekend, will be a more than able deputy for the Cameroonian.

“Alex Song has been very consistent but we always knew before the season that he would be missing during January,” said the Frenchman.

“We have players who can play in the same position. Denilson is an all-rounder. He can play this role and come in for Song without a problem. People don’t notice how important he is for us, he can play in every single position in midfield.   

Russian playmaker Arshavin will also return to the Gunners’ front line, after sustaining a foot injury during the crushing 4-1 demolition of Portsmouth at Fratton Park last Wednesday.

However, skipper Fabregas has been ruled out of his sides next two fixtures as he recovers from a persistent hamstring injury.

LIKELY XI: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traore, Ramsey, Denilson, Diaby, Eduardo, Arshavin, Nasri