PRESTON North End have been dealt a blow in the run up to their massive game with Premiership side Arsenal - Emmanuel Petit will be fit for action.

The French midfielder is backing in training with the Gunners and expects to be fit to face Preston in Tuesday's Worthington Cup Third Round tie at Highbury.

He has missed 10 games after sustaining knee ligament damage in the 0-0 draw at Sunderland, and returns to action just in time to cover for Patrick Vieira, who is in hot water after spitting at West Ham last week.

Petit said: "if everything goes well I'm hoping to be back in action against Preston next Tuesday. "For this type of injury the healing process takes between six and eight weeks. I've been out for seven weeks so I am right on course."

However, Preston may be able to capitalise on the Frenchman's frailties, particularly if Sean Gregan starts putting in the tough tackles.

Petit added: "The real test will be when I start going in for tackles. I'm sure I will be quite nervous, but I will just have to get over it."

Preston's Frenchman, midfielder Farid Diaf, could make his first appearance since the season began next week.

The foreigner, who signed a three month deal in the close season but has yet to play because of a freak training accident, has had his contract extended so he can prove his worth at North End.

He played a part in Wednesday's reserve game at Tranmere Rovers and could quite easily find himself in the thick of things next week due to Preston's mounting injury crisis. (See Bristol City preview.)

David Moyes says he is reluctant to throw him into the deep end so soon - but a run out as a sub will do Diaf no end of good as he tries to put his groin injury misery behind him.

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