Wenger may rest record-chasing Van Persie

Arsene Wenger says he could rest Robin van Persie despite the Dutchman’s push to break the Premier League record for most goals in a calendar year.

The Netherlands international and Arsenal captain has scored 34 league goals in 2011, drawing level with Gunners legend Thierry Henry, and two shy of Alan Shearer’s record of 36 scored in 1995.

Arsenal face Wolves and QPR this week with the Dutchman looking to find the three goals that will set him clear.

But his manager Wenger said he may not start both games to ensure he stays fit, having had a history of injury problems.

“I don’t want to stop him (breaking the record),” Wenger said. “I am very happy if he does it, but hopefully he can combine the record with staying fit.”

“You get his vibes, the medical vibes and you know the history with him. Then you make a decision.”

“It will be a big demand for him, but I don’t know yet, we will assess the situation after every game.”

“I did it in the Champions League because I thought we had enough security there and we could take a gamble. Also he was very tired after the Chelsea game.”

“What is important for me now is he stays fit. I know that if he is fit he will score goals. It’s as simple as that.”

The 28-year-old has started all but one of Arsenal’s Premier League games this season, but he has a long history of injuries which has limited his output in previous campaigns.

The club will be without Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh and Ivorian winger Gervinho next month due to the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving just Theo Walcott and Park Chu-Young, who is yet to make his Premier League debut, as alternatives in attack.

Wenger acknowledged the record would play on his captain’s mind even if it did not affect his attitude in matches.

“I have seen it with Ian Wright, he was aiming for the record and he didn’t score,” he said.

“After he said, ‘no I am not bothered’, but you know with Ian Wright, the one thing he thought about day and night was scoring the next goal.”

“It was a little while for Thierry as well, so it is on their minds a little bit but they do not have to make an obsession of it, just play naturally. It is strange because you score goals when you don’t think about it.”

“I believe the great players know what is important. And what is important is that he is the leader of the team. He knows as well that what is important is to win the games.”

“What is important on the pitch is to make the right decision for every situation you face. He does that very well.”