Robben out, Terry fit for Chelsea's Arsenal clash

Fleet-footed winger Arjen Robben has failed to recover for Chelsea's top-of-the-table Premier League clash with Arsenal, assistant manager Steve Clarke said yesterday.

Inspirational captain John Terry, who limped off after the second leg of his side's quarter-final triumph over Bayern Munich a week ago, is in the squad for today's game, however.

"Terry is fit and available... within the next couple of weeks Robben could be in the squad and pushing for a place in the team," Clarke told a news conference at Chelsea's training ground outside London.

Robben has played only a few minutes as substitute for Chelsea since breaking a bone in his foot against Blackburn on February 2. He returned against Crystal Palace last month but was injured almost immediately playing for the Netherlands.

Terry, the heart and soul of Chelsea's mean defence this season, hurt his thigh in a collision with Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Arsenal are 11 points adrift of Chelsea who will clinch the title if they win back-to-back at home to their north London rivals today and neighbours Fulham on Saturday.

The Gunners are also likely to be missing key players with strikers Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg injured.

Clarke, standing in for manager Jose Mourinho who has been avoiding the British press after run-ins with UEFA and the FA, said Chelsea's commanding position proved they were the top team in London despite a poor record against Arsenal.

Chelsea have not won any of their last eight home league matches against the champions, their last success a 1-0 win in September 1995.

"You have to judge the top team as the top team in the league. We're in a position where we are 11 points clear. In our eyes that makes us the top team," Clarke said.

"We eliminated Bayern Munich which Arsenal could not do."

Chelsea, he said, wanted to win the title as soon as possible to concentrate on the Champions League where they play Liverpool in the semi-final on April 27 and May 3.

"It would be nicer to win it at home than to win away. It's been a long time. It would be very special - very special to win it anywhere."

Chelsea have not won the championship since 1955.

Henry will miss the match after failing to shake off a groin injury, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

Midfielders Freddie Ljungberg, Mathieu Flamini and defender Gael Clichy are also out but Wenger has included Sol Campbell in his squad.

Wenger was unsure how long Henry, the league's leading scorer with 25 goals this season, would be sidelined for but said he could return for the north London derby against Tottenham next Monday.

Meanwhile, Alex Ferguson yesterday urged Rio Ferdinand to end the speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Man. United.

"The best thing Rio could do is sign his contract and get this matter put to bed," Ferguson told reporters yesterday.

Newspaper reports had suggested that Ferdinand, who still has two years remaining on his existing contract with United, may be a transfer target for Chelsea.

Premier League

Played Yesterday

Bolton 1
Southampton 1
HT: 1-0: Att: 25,125

M'boro 1
Fulham 1
HT: 0-0. Att: 30,650

Today - 8.45 p.m.

Aston Villa vs Charlton
Man. City vs Birmingham
Norwich vs Newcastle
Portsmouth vs Liverpool
Tottenham vs West Brom
Blackburn vs C. Palace 9 p.m.
Chelsea vs Arsenal 9 p.m.
Everton vs Man. United 9 p.m.