Toure could make Milan trip

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed Kolo Toure could be back in action sooner than originally thought, and may even be in contention for the Champions League second leg clash against AC Milan on March 4.

Toure limped off in the seventh minute of Wednesday night's goalless draw against Milan with a calf problem and it was initially feared he would be out for at least three weeks.

"The news is maybe a bit better," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. "For me on Wednesday night it looked like he would be out for two to four weeks. The way he was walking perhaps four - but the medical staff said to me it would be closer to two than four."

While Toure's prognosis is clearly more positive, the Arsenal manager maintains he will not be pushing Van Persie into a swift return.

The 24-year-old has been plagued by fitness problems all season, having opened the campaign in fine form.

Van Persie last appeared for the Gunners in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on January 9, but was substituted at the interval.

Wenger has no intentions of rushing the Dutchman this time.

The Arsenal manager said: "No. Robin is not a very long away from being fit at all, but he lacks match-practice.

"Could he be in the squad for Milan? Maybe - but don't forget he has not played regularly for five months now."