Double blow for Gunners
Arsenal have been hit by a double injury setback ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final against Blackburn as Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell were both ruled out.
Henry’s absence is a particular problem, with the Arsenal striker having sustained a groin injury in training this week.
And the Frenchman, who was rested from the starting line-up in last season’s semi-final, could also miss next week’s clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Manager Arsene Wenger revealed: “Thierry is having a scan this afternoon on his groin and then we will know how long he will be out for.
“It could be that he is out for a few days or a few weeks. At the moment, I would say that he has a good chance of missing the Chelsea game.
“He has felt it a little bit more every day this week. It could be down to fatigue and the number of games he has played over the years. It’s a blow for us.”
Campbell had, meanwhile, been hoping to make his comeback from an ankle injury sustained against Manchester United on February 1, having come through two reserves game in the past fortnight.
However, Wenger revealed: “Sol will not be involved either in Cardiff as he is still a fraction short of full fitness.
“He is ready to play but I would prefer him to be working out tomorrow, rather than sitting on the bench. We will make a decision about the Chelsea game next Tuesday.”
In Campbell’s absence, Philippe Senderos will therefore continue to partner Kolo Toure at the back, while Jose Antonio Reyes should team up with Dennis Bergkamp up front.
Mathieu Flamini, Gael Clichy and Manuel Almunia are also out of tomorrow’s game through injury, but Freddie Ljungberg and Edu are back after hip and hamstring problems respectively.
Provisional squad: Lehmann, Taylor, Lauren, Eboue, Cole, Senderos, Toure, Cygan, Vieira, Gilberto Silva, Edu, Fabregas, Pires, Reyes, Ljungberg, Van Persie, Bergkamp, Aliadiere.
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