Vieira vows not to blow it

Patrick Vieira has vowed not hinder Arsenal's European and domestic ambitions by playing through injury.

Patrick Vieira has vowed not hinder Arsenal's European and domestic ambitions by playing through injury.

The French international midfield dynamo, banned from domestic football until after Christmas following his spitting shame against West Ham in October, has a rare opportunity to play a part in this third-round, second-leg tie back on familiar Gallic turf.

But he picked up a calf injury two days ago in training and insists that if he is not fit, he will not play.

Coach Arsene Wenger has already lost England stars David Seaman and Martin Keown with calf-muscle problems.

Dennis Bergkamp and Ray Parlour are also out with groin and ankle injuries, although it should not be a major worry as Arsenal lead 3-0 from the first leg at Highbury two weeks ago.