Robin van Persie is back in the Arsenal squad for Wednesday's match against Tottenham after five months on the sidelines. 

The Netherlands striker injured ankle ligaments in November while on international duty, but returned to full training last week.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Tuesday that Van Persie will be on the bench for the north London derby at White Hart Lane.

Wenger says that "he lacks a bit of match practice but when I pick a player it means he's fit and sharp."

Wenger accepts that "there's always a gamble in such decisions but we have been a bit cautious in his case."

Arsenal is three points behind leader Chelsea with five matches to go.