• League Cup

Van Persie and Koscielny cup final doubts

ESPN staff
February 22, 2011
Robin van Persie has been in great form in recent times - including an important goal against Barcelona © PA Photos
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Robin van Persie and Laurent Koscielny are doubts for Arsenal's League Cup final meeting with Birmingham City on Sunday.

Manager Arsene Wenger revealed the Dutchman is struggling with a hamstring injury, while Koscielny has a niggling back complaint.

Both players will definitely miss Wednesday night's Premier League game with Stoke City - as will Abou Diaby, who remains suspended after his dismissal in the 4-4 draw with Newcastle United - but will hope to recover in time for the weekend trip to Wembley.

"We don't have Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny available [for Stoke]," Wenger told the club's official website. "Everybody else is fit.

"Diaby is suspended. Van Persie has a hamstring problem and Koscielny a back problem.

"Both are short term and they have a chance for the game on Sunday."

Meanwhile, Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is refusing to rule out Alexander Hleb's chances of facing his old club. "It is not a ligament problem," McLeish said. "Alexander had a scan yesterday and it is just severe bruising.

"He is seeing the surgeon in London today and I haven't ruled him out for Sunday. Alex has great skill and massive experience and it is something I'd like to be able to call upon at some stage in the game if he is fit.

"We will probably know more by tomorrow lunchtime."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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