Injury problems and we’ve only played two games 18 August, 2007

Fair enough they’re not anything serious but we’re picking up early knocks all over the place. Maybe you could put this down to not being fully match fit at this early stage of the season but it is still not good. Maybe this will tempt Wenger into the transfer market but I have a strong feeling the chequebook is firmly closed.

The new injuries to report are Rosicky and Eboue with slight problems from Wednesday night’s physical game. Our squad was thin in the winger department before these injuries and now it does give us some problems. I think Denilson is back now and it looks like Eduardo could be too:

“Eduardo might be back. I’m not sure if he will start because he has not done a lot yet. He had a little session today, but that was the first time with the team. He will have a test tomorrow morning and then I will decide. At the moment I am tempted to say no but he will be in the squad. If he is ok physically that means there’s no big pain in the ankle, but I will see. He is a brave player.”

It is only a might but if he’s back then that’s good news. Ade, Gilberto and Diaby are all still unavailable. So, in my opinion, these our the options for tomorrow’s game:

Hleb’s done really well for us in the middle and I think he would’ve started there tomorrow if it weren’t for these injuries but he might be put out on the left wing. Then I think little Theo will have to come in on the right. It’s bound to be a physical game so he’s going to have to show how much he’s grown up this season. Denilson played out wide against Liverpool last season and I was really impressed with him so he is another option but I think Hleb and Walcott are the most likely options.

Then up front I think we should start with Van Persie and Bendtner. Nick’s power and heading ability might come handy this game and it could be his chance to shine. If Eduardo is fit then I think he should be an option Wenger has on the bench if we have to chase the game.

If we wanted to go with 5 in midfield then it could be Hleb – Denilson – Fabregas – Flamini – Walcott with Van Persie up top. We know Robin can play on the wing too but he is wasted there and he is by far our best striker.

We can cope with the injuries we have but it’s getting down to the bare bones. Ade should be back for Man City and Gilberto comes back in September. All the others will return in one, two or three games I hope. We’ll be alright then but touch wood we’re not adding more names to the injury list come Monday.

The only other bit of news is on Arsene’s contract. On Friday Arsene said with a big smile, “We are very soon. Very, very soon.” I hope once his contract is all sorted he can convince some new players to sign contacts at Arsenal too.

Tottenham are winning 3-0 at the moment. Don’t worry, it’s only Derby. Thanks for reading.