Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is a major doubt for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium due to a thigh problem.

Leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle) is expected to feature, having opened the scoring in the 1-1 Champions League draw on Wednesday night, while Theo Walcott again impressed from the bench.

Midfielder Abou Diaby is suspended, while full-back Bacary Sagna (ankle) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) are still sidelined. Eduardo is out for the season with a broken leg.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could make major changes to his side.

Liverpool have a five point lead and vastly superior goal difference over fifth-placed Everton, and Benitez now sees Tuesday's Champions League return with the Gunners as all important.

Javier Mascherano is definitely out, suspended in the wake of his red card at Manchester United. But it is also possible that Benitez could rest Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher for this one.