Arsenal are drawing up a schedules plan for Robin van Persie to keep their star player fresh.

Van Persie has been in irresistible form, scoring 17 goals this season - he has netted 38 times in 41 matches in 2011 - as Arsenal have revived their season domestically and in Europe.

However, he has struggled in previous campaigns because of injury and the Gunners are desperate to make sure it does not happen again, says the Mirror.

They have been looking at the forthcoming fixtures to see where they can rest him and also persuaded the Dutch FA to rest him for one of their two friendlies earlier this month.

Van Persie is set to play against Fulham on Saturday, but is likely to be rested against Manchester City in the Carling Cup and also be left at home for the final Champions League group match at Olympiacos next month.

Arsene Wenger and his staff have mapped out scenarios that would see him potentially sitting out Carling Cup and FA Cup ties, as well as rotating games over the busy festive period.