Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed on Tuesday that striker Robin van Persie and centre-back Laurent Koscielny will both not feature, today, against Stoke City.

The Dutchman and Frenchman join midfielder Abou Diaby on the sidelines as the Arsenal boss explained that the two have a “chance” of recovering in time for Sunday’s League Cup Final against Birmingham at Wembley. Luckily, Switzerland International Johan Djourou is back and will team-up with Sebastien Squillaci at the back for the Gunners.

With Manchester United in action in the Champions League, today’s is Arsenal’s golden opportunity to cut the gap at the top as a win would see the Gunners move to only one point from their rivals.

Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere are all expected to start after not featuring on Sunday against Leyton Orient in the F.A. Cup with Wojciech Szczesny expecting to be back in goal after yet another disappointing game from Manuel Almunia in the weekend.

Ahead of tonight’s game, Wenger said:

We don’t have Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny available. 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. Johan Djourou is better and will play.