London, Oct 25: Arsene Wenger is facing a nerve-testing weekend with both Manchester United and Chelsea launching respective bids to take over Arsenal's lead of the English Premiership.
Champions Arsenal have a one-point lead over Alex Ferguson's title-chasing United ahead of Sunday's trip to Charlton, a tricky encounter in which Wenger could find his normally steely resolve tested to the limit.
Wenger has already had a testing week. It started off in great style after the gunners secured a 2-1 victory over Claudio Ranieri's star-studded Chelsea last Saturday, prompting the Frenchman to praise his players' "consistency and mental resources".
Since then, the midweek defeat to Champions League group rivals Dynamo Kiev and some unwelcome injury news about Arsenal's talismanic midfielder, Patrick Vieira, has somewhat forced Arsenal back to earth.
After the French international's first appearance for a month following a thigh injury, Wenger admitted his decision to field Vieira in the 2-1 defeat in Ukraine was premature.



"Patrick has had a setback and he will be out again for a few weeks," Wenger said on Arsenal's official website yesterday.



"I was cautious with him because we took the needed time. But as well, maybe we were a little bit optimistic with him given the situation.



"We don't know what is happening with his muscle. But he is not right, and it will be at least two more weeks.



"He definitely misses this weekend - there is no doubt about that."


Bureau Report