Reyes ribs not broken
Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes has been reassured he is not facing a long lay-off with a rib injury sustained in the club’s Champions League victory at Sparta Prague.
However, while he has not fractured a rib, the Spanish international is still doubtful for Saturday’s game against Manchester City at Highbury due to painful bruising.
Reyes had feared he could be sidelined for several weeks after a collision in Prague, which forced him off the pitch after just 15 minutes.
With Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Freddie Ljungberg and Alexander Hleb already sidelined, and Thierry Henry having only just returned from a six-week lay-off, Arsenal were potentially facing another costly injury blow.
However, the club’s website, www.arsenal.com, has reported: “Jose Antonio Reyes has not fractured his rib but has suffered bruising that makes him doubtful for the visit of Manchester City on Saturday.
“The Arsenal striker left the field after 15 minutes at Sparta Prague last night in considerable pain after a heavy challenge.
“It was feared he had cracked a rib and would be sidelined for some time. However he underwent an x-ray which revealed only bruising. His absence is now expected to be short term.”
Arsenal must still assess whether Henry is ready to face City after replacing Reyes so early in Tuesday’s game following his lengthy lay-off.
