THERE has been no need to remind Arsene Wenger and his French players of the talents of Wanderers midfield star Youri Djorkaeff.

He may be Le God to Wanderers fans but it is the nickname most of France know him by that will keep the Gunners on guard in Saturday's clash at the Reebok.

Across the Channel, Djorkaeff is known as 'The Snake' - a testimony to his elusive play and the swerving, curling shots that he can produce when he eyes the target.

Yet if the midfield man's talents are known in the Highbury dressing room, then Djorkaeff has enough inside information on his former World Cup team-mates to help Sam Allardyce plot a way of silencing the gunners.

Djorkaeff said this week: "Coming up against so many of my friends from France is not a problem for me.

"They may know how I play but I know what they can do just as well."

Meanwhile Wenger believes David Seaman, Martin Keown and Ashley Cole will be passed fit.

But influential captain Patrick Vieira is missing and may struggle to return as planned for the home game with Leeds next week.

"Patrick is still out," said Wenger, "and I think Leeds will be too early a target."

Arsenal have only two games left in the Premiership after the match with Peter Reid's side - Southampton at home three days later and Sunderland away the following Sunday.

Still, the champions received good news after last week's impressive win at Middlesbrough with the likelihood that flu victim Seaman and Keown, who suffered a hamstring strain are scheduled to return

Ashley Cole then added to Wenger's relief as the England defender is also expected to recover after limping off at the Riverside Stadium.

"Martin was in the squad at Middlesbrough and should be all right, Ashley should be OK too, he'll have a final test tomorrow morning," said Wenger. "David Seaman is in a better conditio but I'll make a decision tomorrow."