Arsenal F.C.

Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger facing Robin van Persie dilemma

By mcaparrotta on | From thesportreview.com

Arsène Wenger admits he is facing a dilemma over whether to rest Robin van Persie for Arsenal’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at The Emirates on Tuesday.

Van Persie is only two goals shy of equalling Alan Shearer’s record of 36 Premier League goals in a calendar year following an impressive run of form which has seen the Dutch international net 15 times in just 13 appearances.

Wenger is set to lose Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh as they travel to the African Nations Cup in January, leaving Arsenal without the two forwards for up to a month and highlighting the importance of keeping Van Persie fit.

“Can he start three games in seven days? We will see. It will be a big demand for him. I don’t know yet, we will assess the situation after every game,” Wenger said.

“You get his vibes, the medical vibes and you know the history with him. Then you make a decision.

“I rested him it in the Champions League because I thought we had enough security there and we could take a gamble.”

Wenger added: “I believe the great players know what is important. And what is important is that he is the leader of the team. He knows as well that what is important is to win the games.

“What is important on the pitch is to make the right decision for every situation you face. He does that very well.

“You do not have to make an obsession of it, just play naturally. It is strange because you score goals when you don’t think about it.”