Morning Folks…
It’s been a crazy week in the wonderful world of Arsenal – or to be exact – probably the most boring week known to any Gooner. The only real news is the progression of Aaron Ramsey – his return from injury has been exciting us all this week, especially these awesome pictures…
Yes, the main man is back – well back very soon… and we’re all dreaming of a Cesc / Wilshere / Ramsey midfield keeping us entertained for years to come!
Talking of Jack Wilshere – why on earth he was pulled out of the Under 21′s – just to sit on the bench for the seniors, despite them needing some invention in their dire 0-0 draw? It makes no sense, but by him not playing since last weekend, he will be a little bit fresher for the home game against Birmingham tomorrow!
Yes, I said tomorrow – the Premiership is back!
And it’s back with some good news and some bad news – as you probably already know, Bacary Sagna is out and will remain out for a few weeks – which will see Emmanuel Eboue come in at right back to deputise, which in my view, somehow boosts our attack too! Arsene talked about the injury situation and who is available at the weekend ahead of tomorrow game:
“We have some good news because for a while we’ve had only bad news. Nicklas Bendtner is back in the squad and Kieran Gibbs is back too. Let’s not forget that since last November Nicklas has produced here and there but never had a consistent presence because of his injuries. Apart from the fact he went to the World Cup we have not seen the real Nicklas Bendtner for a long, long time. He is the closest he has been to his best for a while. He was really, really handicapped by groin problems but they have gone now. Theo might be involved on Saturday as well. He has normal training tomorrow. I might put him in the squad. I will see how he is but he looks very, very sharp. The only uncertainty is his ankle but he might be involved. Cesc is very, very short and unlikely to be involved [on Saturday]. He has a little chance for Tuesday. Sagna is ten days, Vermaelen is ten days, Almunia is a question of days but Van Persie looks to be a bit longer.”
So there is the update – and Nikki B is finally fit. After initial fears that the Danish International would be out until the new year, the news that he is back in the squad is excellent news – the worry, however, is the lack of match practice and the decision not to play him in any reserves prior to putting him back into the squad. When you look at other clubs, you always see players returning from injuries play in reserve games. With us, you don’t see it enough, and is that related to the strength of our squad or the impatience of the manager. I’ve seen it with players like Denilson and Djourou, but not with Diaby, Cesc or Bendtner. It’s like his favourites don’t have to play reserve games. Personally, I think that’s to our detriment and surely it’s related to why the likes of the three aforementioned players seem to more injured than the others.
It looks like Sagna and Vermaelen will be missing for the next three games, but could be back for the Newcastle away game. Gibbs back for Saturday and so is Walcott, although I expect Theo to be on the bench. So, my team looks like this:
Fabianski
Eboue – Squillaci – Koscielny – Clichy
Song – Wilshere
Nasri – Diaby – Arshavin
Chamakh
With a strong bench of Szcznesy, Gibbs, Djourou, Denilson, Rosicky, Vela and Bendtner – hold on, where does that leave Walcott? Okay, so it’s a tough one… With enough in reserve at the moment and Cesc and Almunia back in time for Tuesday, we can afford to rotate a little better now…
For those of you who are worried over Cesc’s most recent comments, I wouldn’t worry about it – nothing has changed and there is no reason to get worked up over it… even better… why not celebrate the 9-0 victory in the Womens Champions League… well done!
Okay, that’s a wrap… more tomorrow!
