Toure boost for Gunners
Arsenal have confirmed Kolo Toure’s groin problem is not as bad as first feared, with the Ivory Coast defender expected back in action between “eight to 10 days”.
The Gunners skipper suffered the injury during his country’s 4-1 win over Benin at the African Nations Cup on Friday, and was ruled out of the final group game against Mali tomorrow following suggestions of a muscle tear.
However, centre-back Toure, 26, has now been assessed by Arsenal medical staff after he was flown to Paris from the tournament in Ghana.
Manager Arsene Wenger revealed the problem is not a major one.
“Kolo has a Grade One groin problem,” he said.
“It will keep him out for eight to 10 days – but he will stay with the Ivory Coast squad for the rest of the tournament.”
Toure now looks set to miss the quarter-final on February 3, but could feature again should the Elephants continue to progress.
Meanwhile, Wenger also had more positive news on winger Tomas Rosicky, who limped off after less than 10 minutes of the FA Cup win over Newcastle at the weekend.
“There is no deep problem with Tomas,” Wenger told the club’s official website, www.arsenal.com ahead of tomorrow’s rematch with the Magpies in the Barclays Premier League.
“He has a problem with his hamstring, but it is not torn.
“Tomas got a kick at Fulham and the inflammation around his tendon provokes some pain, but we feel it’s a question of days, not weeks.”
Striker Robin van Persie is continuing his recovery from a thigh problem, which was the latest in a line of injuries this season, and is expected back in training with Arsenal later this week following a spell of rehabilitation in Holland.
