Vieira in race to face United

Patrick Vieira will miss Arsenal's Champions league match against Panathinaikos on Wednesday and faces a battle to be fit for the clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford next Sunday.

The Frenchman suffered a sprained ankle in a tackle from Aston Villa's Jloyd Samuel during Arsenal's 3-1 win at Highbury on Saturday. Manager Arsene Wenger said: "I think there's a big problem after the way I've seen him limping."

Arsenal captain Vieira, who was treated at the club's London Colney training centre yesterday, is determined to be fit to face United in what has become a crucial clash for Sir Alex Ferguson's team, who are 11 points behind Wenger's table toppers after their 0-0 draw at Birmingham. United will be desperate to stop Arsenal from going 50 consecutive league games unbeaten.

Vieira's absence gives Edu a chance to show he is worth a new contract, which he has so far failed to negotiate with Arsenal.

With Gilberto Silva injured and Dennis Bergkamp missing the match against the Greeks because of his fear of flying, Wenger's options are limited. Fredrik Ljungberg will return after missing Saturday's game with a hamstring problem and it is likely Edu will be paired with Francesc Fabregas in central midfield and Jose Antonio Reyes moved forward as the support striker to Thierry Henry.

Edu's current deal expires at the end of the season and unless an agreement is reached, the likelihood is he will be sold when the transfer window re-opens in January - with Barcelona willing to offer a contract of around £35,000 a week. United have also been linked with the player.