Arsenal: Viera in line for return

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira is set to return to first-team training with the Gunners on Thursday.

Vieira, who last week declared he would not be joining Real Madrid after a summer of speculation, has been out of action with a thigh injury.

"Patrick will be back with the squad training this week. His injury is healing well but he hasn't played since Euro 2004," said boss Arsene Wenger.

"He still needs some time but happily we are well-covered at the moment."

Meanwhile, French team-mate Robert Pires has admitted he cannot wait to link up again with Vieira in an Arsenal shirt.

link

he aint particulary happy not to have been playing insiting he is fit

Patrick Vieira is angry with Arsenal for not playing him despite his insistence that he is fit.

The Gunners have not risked their skipper in the opening games of the season, and does not seem to have affected them with their glorious start to the season.

link

the young spannish guy is happy to step aside when vieria is in the team

Arsenal starlet Francesc Fabregas has stated he is more than happy to step aside once Patrick Vieira returns to The Gunners' line-up.

The 17-year-old has been handed a chance to shine due to the France captain's absence and has performed beyond his years

link

wenger explains that vieria need to prove himself to the fans again

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has told Patrick Vieira he must prove his commitment to the club this season to win over the fans.

Vieira was expected to leave Highbury for most of the summer as the lure of Real Madrid seemed to be too strong to resist.

link