Premier League - Arsenal facing injury worries

Eurosport - Thu, 16 Oct 17:44:00 2008

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been handed an injury headache with news that a trio of stars will be missing for the upcoming games against Everton and Fenerbahce.

2008-2009 Arsenal William Gallas - 0

William Gallas (hamstring), Bacary Sagna (knee) and Nicklas Bendtner (ankle) all returned from international duty with injuries and are unlikely to feature in either the Premier League clash at the Emirates or the Champions League trip to Fenerbahce.

Cesc Fabregas (broken nose), Robin van Persie (muscular) and Johan Djourou (concussion) also picked up knocks midweek, but all three are expected to be passed fit by the weekend.

And midfielder Abou Diaby is set to be included in the squad for the first time this season after recovering from a thigh problem.

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "Unfortunately we have lost some players over the 10 days - William Gallas, Bacary Sagna and Nicklas Bendtner. These are heavy losses and we have to compensate them.

"Fortunately the three of them don't look to be out for a long, long time but they will be out for the weekend game and I think the game on Tuesday.

"As well as them, Djourou got concussion during his game with Switzerland and will be assessed tomorrow to see if he is available. He does not look too bad and he could have a good chance to play.

"I am still waiting for Robin to come back so I don't know about him. However, he should be okay.

"He went with a muscle problem but he came on after 56 minutes last night and, from the reports I got, he should be all right. Both of them will be assessed.

"Also I am told Cesc has a broken nose. It should not stop him playing. He is here now and is being assessed."

But the imminent return of Diaby went some way to offsetting the bad news for Wenger.

He added: "At least Abou Diaby is back in the squad again. Even though he has not played games he will be used, at the least in the squad, because we have lost those three players."

Sporting Life / Eurosport

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  1. I agree with the Patrick issue. Arsenal needs A Patrick ASAP if they want to win anything this year. Current guys are talented but too nice, we need a midfielder that put fear in the opposition like Patrick use to do i.e. my ball, my game, I can hurt you if you touch my players…..

    From Reza, on Sat 25 Oct 7:59AM

  2. Bendtner isn't a starter, so Vela can cover for him. Silvestre can cover for Gallas, but Bacary is the problem, i hope Rosicky is back to 100% to cover for Bacary. Everton won't be a hard team to at home, and since we're not playing in Turkey yet, we shouldn't worry to much about it. come on you gunners

    From Neo, on Fri 17 Oct 8:55AM

  3. We have Silvestre, eboue and song to fill in defensively, more of a concern fab as we lack a creative midfielder when he isn't playing. still shows there are massive gaps throughout the squad and although i'm not his biggest fan senderos going was not a good decision as we needed to bring players in not let them go. Bischoff maybe fit too?

    From maguirejj1, on Fri 17 Oct 7:40AM

  4. true test for the young ones !!

    From markmannion66, on Fri 17 Oct 4:26AM

  5. A BIG CHALLENGE FOR THE YOUR GUNNERS - THEY MUST IT IN A BIG WAY

    From 'Tunde, on Fri 17 Oct 3:48AM

  6. omg where is Rosicky!!!

    From shizzelez, on Fri 17 Oct 12:59AM

  7. HEy,ddo your supporters stink of boo?

    From e=mc squared, on Thu 16 Oct 11:14PM

  8. Buy players and reinforce the squad you the hell of coach

    From Football, on Thu 16 Oct 10:29PM

  9. gallas**

    From omar.fahmy24, on Thu 16 Oct 8:48PM

  10. silvestre might get his debut against everton this weekend since galls is out

    From omar.fahmy24, on Thu 16 Oct 8:48PM

  11. didnt fabregas lift the euro 2008 cup?lol

    From !, on Thu 16 Oct 8:39PM

  12. sussexdietcoke...........u can ask the question again.

    BLUES 4 EVER

    From Dynamic, on Thu 16 Oct 7:53PM

  13. vishu speed - do you practice at being stupid or is it a natural talent?

    From Mike S, on Thu 16 Oct 6:21PM

  14. For it's allllll Hull City!

    :D

    From Simon, on Thu 16 Oct 6:20PM

  15. 47 comments eh still no real point from anyone

    What Fabregas is saying is true, Arsenal lack experience and it is hard to challenge with the likes of Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, etc he will leave if Arsenal win nothing this season anyone who says "no" is an idiot this guy is 21 and hasn't lifted a trophy yet just like Hleb & Flamini he will leave and I believe Arsenal will struggle I am a lifelong Arsenal fans[frustrated & pissed!] I don't think we can win the title this season with Chelsea looking very very strong and United & Liverpool catching up and Arsenal losing 2 games ALREADY

    We haven't still replaced Vieira, last season Flamini looked even more of a better "new patrick" in Arsenal midfield, doing all the dirty work, winning the ball, WINNING games for Arsenal

    From 12 Stones, on Thu 16 Oct 5:29PM

  16. WENGER SHOULD STRENGTHEN HIS TEAM BY BRINGING SOME EXPERIENCED PLAYERS IN THE MIDDLE WHICH WILL MAKE PERFECT WITH THE CURRENT FABULOUS PLAYERS LIKE CESC AND DENILSON..

    From vishnu.speed, on Thu 16 Oct 4:37PM

  17. ARSENAL ,ARSENAL ,ARSENAL........... WILL BE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE SEASON.
    NO ONE CAN BEAT THEM UNTIL THE SEASON IS OVER FROM NOW.

    From vishnu.speed, on Thu 16 Oct 4:32PM

  18. SUESEXDIETCOKE SUPPORT DERBY

    From rebecca333@..., on Thu 16 Oct 4:16PM

  19. how can a manager allow such a mass exodus of his midfielder......he is juz assuming is well,in the real sense things has gone back...

    gracias

    From Doshy, on Thu 16 Oct 4:00PM

  20. GUNNERS FOR EVA....arsenal can win this season!!!!!

    From farid_wajdie, on Thu 16 Oct 3:25PM
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