Wenger hopes injuries are at end
19/11/2009 - 08:34:46Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be keeping his fingers crossed no more of his first-team squad get struck down by injury last night’s international matches after losing both striker Robin van Persie and defender Kieran Gibbs.
These are the players in the Gunners’ busy treatment room:
GOALKEEPERS
LUKASZ FABIANSKI (thigh – expected return: late-November)
The Poland stopper had just come back into action following knee surgery when he picked up a thigh problem during the Carling Cup victory over Liverpool. However, Arsenal have plenty of cover in Manuel Almunia and Vito Mannone.
DEFENDERS
KIERAN GIBBS (ankle – expected return: late-November)
The England Under-21 international was injured during last night’s European Championship qualifier in Lithuania, but it is hoped the damage to his foot is not serious.
GAEL CLICHY (back – expected return: late-December)
Injury to regular left-back Clichy had opened the door for Gibbs to have an extended run in the side, with the Frenchman set to be sidelined “for a while”, according to Wenger.
ARMAND TRAORE (groin – expected return: next match)
The 20-year-old, who had a spell on loan at Portsmouth last season, has featured just once so far, in the Carling Cup, but could well now be hurried back into the squad following a slight groin problem.
JOHAN DJOUROU (groin – expected return: March 2010)
Swiss centre-back Djourou suffered a knee injury while on international duty during August and is unlikely to play again until the spring.
MIDFIELD
DENILSON (back – expected return: next match)
Young Brazilian Denilson had performed well as the holding midfielder in Arsenal’s new system, before being sidelined by a back problem in September. However, his recovery has gone well and should be available when domestic action resumes at Sunderland.
JACK WILSHERE (ankle – expected return: next match)
Much has been expected of 17-year-old England Under-21 international Wilshere, who Wenger claims could be the Gunners’ Wayne Rooney. Following an ankle injury last month, the combative midfielder should be available for selection again shortly.
ABOU DIABY (calf – expected return: early December)
Diaby had been developing well after taking his chance following injury to Denilson. However, he returned early from the France camp ahead of the second leg against the Republic of Ireland nursing a calf injury and could be out for a few weeks.
FORWARDS
ROBIN VAN PERSIE (ankle – expected return: early January 2010)
The loss of Van Persie was a massive blow, as he was in such good form. However, the prognosis of a six-week lay-off is not as bad as first feared - with the Holland striker set to try radical methods including massage using placenta to get back into action.
NICKLAS BENDTNER (groin – expected return: mid-December)
The Denmark striker limped out of the win over Tottenham on October 31 and eventually had a minor operation, which will keep him out for probably another month.
THEO WALCOTT (knee – expected return: late November)
England forward Walcott has seen his campaign brightly by injury set-backs, which have limited him to just two first-team appearances. His knee problem is expected to have cleared up by the end of the month – which could come just in time for the clash with Chelsea.
CARLOS VELA (knee – expected return: next match)
Pacy young Mexican Vela has been sidelined with a knee injury and has not featured for Arsenal since October 20 in Alkmaar. However, given Wenger’s current striker shortage, he could be another whose recovery is sped up for the trip to the Stadium of Light.
:: Possible Arsenal team v Sunderland on Saturday: Almunia, Silvestre, Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, Rosicky, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Eduardo.
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