It's Fab to be back

Posted Saturday, March 20, 2010 by PA

Arsenal will welcome back captain Cesc Fabregas from a hamstring injury for the visit of West Ham.

Czech winger Tomas Rosicky (groin) is also fit again, while Cameroon midfielder Alex Song returns from a two-game suspension.

Song admits he has been going crazy watching from the sidelines and cannot wait to get back into the thick of Arsenal's title challenge.

The race for the Barclays Premier League crown has developed into one of the closest of recent seasons, with only two points now separating the top three, although Chelsea have played a game less.

Should Arsenal beat the struggling Hammers at the Emirates Stadium they would lead the table again, as both their rivals do not play until Sunday when Chelsea head to Blackburn and Manchester United have the small matter of the visit of Liverpool to contend with.

Song admits he has not been the best armchair spectator, having watched his team-mates scrap their way to a crucial three points at Hull with a stoppage-time goal from Nicklas Bendtner.

"I was like a crazy man," said Song. "I jumped everywhere.

"I was watching it with my son and he did not know what was happening - but when Nicklas scored, I just said 'yeeeeeessssssss'."

Song added: "It is very difficult to watch your friends when you don't play, but I had confidence in my team. We have the players to come in and do well.

"Now we are in a strong position and we will fight in the games that are left."

Song maintains Arsenal have what it takes to go on and lift a first championship since 2004.

"The mentality has changed for us. Everyone has in their head that we need to do something this year. It is very important for us," he added.

"If the referee says we have four minutes or two minutes left then the boss says 'don't panic, be confident and play'. That means if the opposition team drop we have the chance to score.

"If the game is not finished we know we can score at anytime."

William Gallas (calf) remains out. Aaron Ramsey (broken leg), Robin van Persie (ankle) and Johan Djourou (knee) are long-term absentees.

A leg injury has ruled captain Scott Parker out for West Ham.

Carlton Cole will return up front after being rested for last week's loss against Chelsea while Mark Noble has recovered from an arm injury and could start in midfield in place of Parker.

Manager Gianfranco Zola will be without Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon (both muscle) and Julian Faubert (hamstring), while Manuel Da Costa is suspended.