Van Persie nearing Arsenal return

Fabregas is expected to return for the World Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal are finally getting some good news on the injury front with Robin van Persie, Johan Djourou and Kieran Gibbs all on the comeback trail from long-term problems.

Club physio Colin Lewin has revealed the trio are close to returns and could help the Gunners as they bid to remain in title contention.

"Johan Djourou had a difficult problem with the cartilage in his knee joint," Lewin told the club's website.

"He has made virtually a full recovery and we expect him to train fully with the squad within the next fortnight, as will Kieran Gibbs. They have both made full recoveries from what could have been career-threatening injuries.

"Robin will be joining the squad for full training imminently. That is a big boost for the club and to see Johan and Kieran training with the team in the next fortnight will give everyone a big lift."

Lewin also confirmed that captain Cesc Fabregas is set to miss the rest of the season with a broken leg, but was at least able to reassure Spain fans the influential midfielder will return for the World Cup.

"Cesc is doing well," Lewin said. "He is likely to be out for the rest of the season with a hairline crack of his fibula.

"If everything goes well he will comfortably make the World Cup and we will be constantly monitoring him."

Aaron Ramsey, who suffered a broken leg at Stoke, will have to wait until early next season to make his own return.

"Aaron will make a full recovery," Lewin said. "Other footballers have suffered a similar injury. The surgery went very well and the early signs are very good.

"We don't expect Aaron to return until the early autumn. He has some metalwork in there and that provides the stability for the fracture.

"The specialists have encouraged him to walk and this weight-bearing will aid the fracture healing. It's early days but the signs are very good."