Ljungberg Virus A Cause for Concern

Injuries and illness are threatening to hamper Arsene Wenger's plans for the Christmas games.

Freddie Ljungberg is struggling to make the visit to West Brom after coming down with a virus. Edu (groin) and Ray Parlour (calf) remain doubtful and skipper Patrick Vieira (groin) is also unlikely to return.

"We don't have too much good news," Wenger told Arsenal.com. "Freddie Ljungberg is feeling rough. He has been in bed with a virus.

"There is a question mark over Patrick Vieira and I will have to make a decision. Ray Parlour is still a big concern and Edu is not back so I am not in a position to take a gamble on Patrick if he is not 100 per cent."

After the trip to the Hawthorns on Boxing Day there are mouthwatering home games with Liverpool on December 29 and Chelsea on New Year's Day.