Arsenal striker Eduardo has been ruled out of this weekend's Premier League match against leaders Chelsea due to injury, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said Thursday.

The Croatia forward has failed to recover from the hamstring strain he suffered during last week's goalless draw against Aston Villa.

But midfielder Abou Diaby could return from the calf problem that has kept him out of action in recent weeks for Sunday's London derby at Stamford Bridge.

"Diaby is not yet back in normal training," Wenger told ArsenalTV Online. "Eduardo is already ruled out."

Wenger confirmed Robin van Persie is not expected to recover from his ankle injury until April at the earliest after a report stated the Dutch striker might be available by mid March.

Arsenal are third in the Premier League table, six points behind Chelsea.