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Van Persie boosts Arsenal

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 14/04/2010
Football betting

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Dutch striker Robin van Persie will be in the Arsenal squad for the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur after five months out of action.

The 26-year-old has been sidelined since November due to ankle ligament damage, but is set to feature among the substitutes at White Hart Lane, having returned to training last week.

Gunners boss Wenger told reporters: "He will feature. He lacks a bit of match practice, but when I pick a player it means he's fit and sharp.

"There's always a gamble in such decisions, but we have been a bit cautious in his case.

"But van Persie is a very important player at this club. He is important for the confidence."

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Liverpool will have to wait a little longer to discover the extent of the latest knee injury to keep star striker Fernando Torres on the sidelines.

The 26-year-old Spain international missed the goalless draw with Fulham last weekend, having been forced to undergo knee surgery in January which kept him out of action for more than a month.

A short statement from the Reds confirmed: "Fernando Torres was examined by a knee specialist this afternoon (Monday) in Spain.

"He received treatment and will continue to do so over the next few days, with the injury being reassessed later this week."

Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez is to contest an FA charge of improper conduct relating to his comments about referee Stuart Attwell following his side's 3-0 loss at Manchester City.

The Latics were eventually well beaten at Eastlands at the end of March, with the game's decisive moment coming with the score goalless when Gary Caldwell shown a straight red card for a tackle on Carlos Tevez.

Northampton Saints have made the move to sign young Leeds Carnegie star Joe Ford.

The 19-year-old fly-half has impressed director of rugby Jim Mallinder with a number of eye-catching displays this term and he will make the switch to Franklin's Gardens in the summer.

Sale Sharks will welcome Apolosi Satala to the club in the summer after he agreed a deal to make the switch from Guinness Premiership rivals Gloucester.

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has denied any wrongdoing after being linked with Essex Police's investigation into alleged 'match irregularities'.

Two Essex players are reported to be under investigation, but 29-year-old Kaneria insists that he has not done anything wrong.

He told reporters: "I was shocked when I woke up that day and saw these reports. They are totally baseless."

Great Britain number one Andy Murray has admitted that Leon Smith's appointment as captain of the Davis Cup tennis team may not entice him into making a return to the squad.

Despite their previous close association with Smith, the world number four has insisted he will put his own career ahead of the team.

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