Wenger hopes for injury reprieve
Arsene Wenger is hoping for a fitness boost ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Ajax in Amsterdam.
Brazilian midfielder Gilberto picked up an ankle injury in the goalless draw with West Ham on Saturday and left Upton Park on crutches, adding to Wenger’s selection problems going into the Group B encounter.
Fellow midfielder Robert Pires (dead leg) is also doubtful, as are non-flying Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp (back and groin) and defender Philippe Senderos (back).
Striker Thierry Henry is definitely out due to a groin problem, along with suspended duo Robin van Persie and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
“We have a good base, but to lose Gilberto at the moment, I just don’t think we can afford it,” Wenger reflected on Saturday evening.
“He is on crutches at the moment, but it does not look good for Tuesday night.”
Wenger added: “The prospect of Dennis is close to 2%, and Pires, I think, has a 70% chance.”
Arsenal’s failure to record a first away win of the season at Upton Park left them some 11 points behind Barclays Premiership leaders Chelsea, albeit with a game in hand on the champions.
However, the Frenchman has seen enough football in his time to know nothing is decided until the final ball is kicked in May.
“I am positive because we played with a good spirit and desire overall,” Wenger reflected.
“We were very close to winning the game, we just lacked a bit in the final ball, maybe with a bit of nerves.
“When you don’t win away from home in two games, the nerves play a bit of a role and you could see that in the way we wanted to take the chances. Just not having lost will help us in the next game.”
Wenger declared: “I am not worried because I feel we will come back – if I commit suicide, it will not change a lot.
“I feel that the team at the moment has a great spirit and needs support. There is quality in there. I know people will be harder with us than we deserve, and that is why I am positive, because I believe in this team.”
The Arsenal boss added: “If Chelsea win every single game between now and the end of the season, then we can only be second. But I don’t play for second because I do not give up.”
