Down at the grove (aka Emirates), we’ve got a serious injury jinx. Last season we were without Eduardo and Rosicky and important players such as Cesc and Gallas also missed big periods of the season. And it’s the same story most seasons – technically gifted players seem to have injury problems – more over at Arsenal than other clubs it seems. Having said that, players like Rooney, Ronaldo, Drogba and Joe Cole have all had time on the sidelines.
Down at the Arsenal, our injury jinx has struck early – early enough for us t0 do something about it… and this time it’s the midfield maestro Samir Nasri, who according to reports will be out for about 3 months ish… the official site releasing this statement:
“Samir Nasri has sustained a fractured fibula during this morning’s training session at the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria.
“The midfielder will be out of action for two to three months.”
In layman’s terms, he’s broken his leg. It’s quite unfortunate, as although we’ve gained Rosicky and Eduardo back from injury we’ve suddenly lost Adebayor and Nasri through player sales and injuries. If Arsene was dubious about making more signings then this injury may have changed his mind. If we do sign Chamakh and Matuidi, it will add more depth to the midfield and cover for Nasri. Chamakh’s arrival could allow Vela and Arshavin more time on the wings along with Rosicky and Walcott and of course, utility man Eboue. I’d be very much for adding to the squad as without one player (in Rosicky) last season, we had not much choice other to play Diaby and Bendtner on the wings and that’s something we don’t want to do this season.
The signings of Chamakh and Matuidi could and really should help with the squad balance and numbers, of which we are shortish now in an attacking mould after the Adebayor transfer and the Nasri injury. The Frenchman breaking his leg in pre-season training in our Austrian camp. Details of how, I’m not sure yet, but it may take longer than 3 months to regain fitness, pre-season and get back into contention. Let’s see what Arsene does, but if doesn’t sign someone soon, it will interesting to see how the fans react.
In other news, we beat SC Columbia 7-1 with some very interesting positions being played – notably Philippe Senderos being deployed in midfield. I’m yet to watch the game, hopefully it will be on Arsenal TV later tonight. Niklas Bendtner was back in action and scored two as did Van Persie and Aaron Ramsey, with Gallas getting one too. Armand Traore was in action and notably fast according to reports – whether he will be moved to a wing position this season is yet to be known, but if he did, it would make sense and would also add to the left midfield wing position – especially in the absence of Nasri.
I’ll hopefully get a chance to watch the game and then report more substantially on how the team performed.
In the meantime, have fun, speak soon…
