Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is sure he will shake off a thigh problem in time to face Blackburn in the Premier League on Monday.The 23-year-old, who has been a revelation alongside Cesc Fabregas at the heart of the Gunners midfield this season, picked up the injury while on international duty in a France 'B' international against Congo.
However, Flamini maintains the problem is "nothing serious" and sees no reason why he should not be in contention to face Rovers in Monday night's clash at Emirates Stadium.
"It is just a little tight spot behind the right thigh," he said.
"It is nothing serious, I hope I will be ready for Blackburn."
Flamini, 23, is currently locked in talks with Arsenal over a new deal, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season.
Arsene Wenger is keen for an agreement to be reached sooner rather than later.
While dialogue continues - the sticking point is understood to be over wages - Flamini could in theory sign a pre-contract agreement with another club, with Juventus and Valencia said to be keeping close tabs on developments.
Wenger will be hoping for a clean bill of health from his returning international contingent.
Gilberto missed the win at Manchester City last weekend with a stiff back but should be available again after he played for Brazil in Dublin.
Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) was another concern, while goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is expected to return after being sidelined by a twisted thumb.
However, Dutchman Robin van Persie (thigh) is a couple of weeks away from full match fitness.
Wenger - who is without African Nations Cup trio Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song - has never been a big fan of seeing his players jet off on international duty.
The Arsenal boss felt the latest friendlies were an unnecessary addition to an already-packed schedule.
Speaking ahead of this week's fixtures, Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "That is one (round of international friendlies) you could do without.
"I think that if you did a poll of all the clubs involved in the Champions League, I wouldn't be surprised if 100% of them said let's get rid of it."
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