LONDON, April 13 – Robin van Persie will return to Arsenal's squad for their north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger said on Tuesday.
The Dutch striker has been out of action for five months after rupturing ankle ligaments on international duty.
Van Persie returned to training last week and was expected to be available for Arsenal’s final three matches against Manchester City, Blackburn and Fulham as they push to win the English Premier League title.
But Wenger has judged he is ready to return against Spurs, with the French manager saying he would be involved against Tottenham, most probably starting from the bench.
"He will feature," Wenger said. "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."
Third-placed Arsenal are three points behind Premier League leaders and London rivals Chelsea, with both sides having five league matches left to play this season.
Wednesday’s clash at Tottenham’s home ground will see Harry Redknapp’s men try to bounce back from the disappointment of last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Portsmouth at Wembley as fifth-placed Spurs try to secure a top four finish that would guarantee Champions League football next season.
