Arsene Wenger has set Robin van Persie the target of regularly competing for Arsenal over the Christmas period in a bid to put the Dutchman's injury problems behind him.
The 27-year-old is progressing well from his latest setback and is pushing for his first start tomorrow at Aston Villa since damaging his ankle in the victory over Blackburn in August.
Van Persie's six years at the club have been blighted by injury; a hugely promising start to last season was cut short by ankle ligament damage suffered on international duty.
Despite the ongoing frustration, Wenger believes striker Van Persie is capable of sustaining a run in the first team and delivering on his huge potential as he enters the peak years of his career.
"Robin had a good test yesterday and looks like he has a chance to be in the squad," said the manager.
"Robin had an ankle problem that has been repeated on the other leg that he had before. If he comes through it well, he should be okay.
"A player who is injured is sick and I always refuse to think that somebody has to be sick their whole life.
"There's no reason why he shouldn't get rid of it — he had two unfortunate ankle injuries but lets hope over the next two or three months he can play for us."
