Just before the Interlull Arsene Wenger said:
Traditionally November has not been a good month for us. But I explain that by the fact we had more injuries, it is the first period when they kick in.
Way to tempt fate, Arsene! I think he was probably referring to injuries that would occur through wear and tear. A calf strain here, a hamstring there, perhaps a little tweak of the groin along the way. As it is this Interlull has not only been tedious it has been costly. Firstly Robin van Persie nearly has his ankle kicked off and last night Kieran Gibbs was taken to hospital for X-rays on his foot.
Early reports are suggesting a broken metatarsal, which would be bad news indeed. When Robin van Persie picked up a similar injury in January 2007 he missed the rest of the season. The timing of Gibbs injury is particularly unfortunate as we’re without Clichy due to his back problem. Again we’ll have to wait for official confirmation but it does look as if we’re going to have to do without him for a bit, which is a blow to us and a blow to the young man who was looking forward to taking his opportunity.
That said, left back is the position in which we probably have the most cover. There’s still Armand Traore, who might well view this as just the chance he needs to stake his claim for a place, and while Sylvester certainly wouldn’t provide the pace and dynamism of the other three left backs at the club he at least has the experience to be able to do the job if called upon.
As the man from East Lower puts together a crocks XI every Arsenal fan will be keeping everything crossed that those involved in games tonight come through unscathed. From my scant research those up for injury tonight are: Gallas, Sagna, Arshavin, Cesc and Vermaelen. Five extremely important players to whom any kind of injury would be, not only cruel, but downright vindictive and it would make me believe that Phil Collins is working some slapheaded voodoo on us. Cesc and Vermaelen are both playing in friendlies so let’s hope those international managers don’t run them into the ground. The others are playing WC Qualifiers. We’ll be on tenterhooks till these games are finished.
Former Gunner and total dreamboat Robert Pires talks about our injuries, saying:
The injuries always seem to have damaged Arsenal in the last few seasons and now again this is the difficult time between November and December. Teams that suffer a lot of problems during these months often miss out on winning the league. You play a lot of games, it’s difficult and it tests the squad.
Curses. Doomed. But wait, Robert is confident we can cope, saying:
These two matches against Sunderland and Chelsea will be the key for the future of Arsenal in the Premier League and I believe Arsenal will give their answer on the pitch. But the young players will also have to step up and play a bigger part and they have the talent to do that.
Hurrah! If Robert says so then I believe him. He wouldn’t lie to us. He highlights the importance of Cesc Fabregas who has once again confirmed his committment to the club despite every single Barcelona player marching up and down Passeig de Gracia holding placards saying ‘Please sign for us!’, ‘DNA! A-OK!’ and ‘It’s Cescy time!!!’.
Meantime I miss Robert Pires like an amputee misses his foot. *sigh*
In other news Stan Kroenke’s right hand man says Silent Stan is not so silent and is, in fact, a thoroughly nice chap. Which is pretty much what you would expect a right hand man to say, unless he was a duplicitous Iagoesque character.
Emmanuel Eboue says he wants to be the next Eddie Murphy. Sweet holy sacred mother of the divine heart of the crucified Jesus. I think he means that he wants to be a comedic actor in Hollywood and not somebody who picks up giant transvestites just to give them a lift because he feels sorry for them and not because he wants to have dirty sex with them before he goes and knocks up one of the Spice Girls. I know this is part of the ‘rebuild Eboue’s image’ project that has been ongoing via the official site but it just makes him look like a bit of a spa.
Bacary Sagna’s agent says Juventus have been in contact with him but the player won’t be leaving. Thanks for that Mr Agent whose name is Christoper Mongai. Hahaha. Mong.
And finally Arsene says that Samir Nasri won’t be the man to replace Alex Song when he goes to the ACN. The boss reckons Denilson is more suited to the role and Nasri better further forward, which I tend to agree with. The problem is who will replace Denilson’s replacement when the replacement for Denilson’s replacement is injured by Denilson’s replacement’s replacement’s replacement in a training ground tragedy? Forward planning is what we need here folks.
And finally, finally – For those of you at loose end tonight, co-author of ‘Arsenal: Making a modern superclub’, Alex Fynn, is giving a seminar entitled ‘The Secret History of Arsenal Football Club’ at 6pm. For more details check out the OnlineGooner.
And finally, finally, finally for today. How about some artwork to brighten up your home? I’m good at making friends and I’ve got some new ones called Modern Canvas Art. They have given me the following Dennis Bergkamp canvas to give to one of you lucky chaps or chapettes.
It is 50cm x 70cm and would look awesome on your wall. To enter, simply answer the following question:
From which club did Arsenal sign Dennis Bergkamp? Was it a) Ajax b) Juventus c) Inter Milan. Answers, as usual, to [email protected] and the winner will be announced on Friday.
Right then, have at it.
