Van Persie blow for Gunners

Arsenal could see their defence boosted by the return of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and Johan Djourou this weekend - but the Gunners will head into the Champions League semi-final clash against Manchester United without leading scorer Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman, who has hit 17 goals this season, continues to be troubled by a groin problem which saw him miss the midweek 4-4 draw at Liverpool and will not feature in Sunday's Barclays Premier League game with Middlesbrough nor the first leg of the European tie against the holders.

But there was more positive news on Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who could face Boro following a minor hamstring concern, while Almunia (ankle) and Djourou (knee) could both be back to bolster what manager Arsene Wenger accepts has been a "fatigued" defence.

"We will rotate a little bit again, but we have no major injuries from Liverpool," said Wenger.

"Manuel Almunia was in full training on Thursday and we will see how he responds. Djourou was in full training also so we will see how he is too. Both could come back into the squad.

"It is not enough training to say [for sure] yet, we need 48 hours more.

"Emmanuel Adebayor should come back into training on Saturday. He could be in the squad. But Robin van Persie is definitely out for Sunday and for Manchester United.

"Gael Clichy could be back for the second Manchester United game. He has a scan [on his back] on Monday. We will go from there. He has a chance to be back in full training next week."

Arsenal will be looking to extend an unbeaten Premier League run to 20 games against relegation battlers Boro.