Clichy injured and Ade + Captain Fantastic rested 26 November, 2007
Posted by lasagnechef in Arsenal News, Champions League.trackback
Just as our injury list cleared last week, surprise surprise there’s a load of names back on the list. The newest addition to that is Gale Clichy who picked up a knock against Wigan. Gael’s been fantastic this year and has been one of my favourite players in the squad. He’s been out of action before with serious injuries but this time it’s only I slight problem thank God. Here’s what Arsene said about him not being in the squad for Seville:
“Gael Clichy is injured. I would have taken Clichy but he has a thigh problem, however he should recover for the weekend.”
That’s good news, when I saw the headline of his injury I was worried. He should hopefully be back for the Villa game on Saturday.
Clichy, Gallas and Adebayor are all out of the squad for Seville, Willy and Emmanuel are being rested ahead of the up-coming busy schedule. Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto and Mathieu Flamini are all back in the squad but are not certain to start; it’s going to be a weakened side that plays our biggest rivals in our Champions League qualifiers. We’re already through to the knock-out stages so we can afford to slip up here, a win would secure our place as group leaders but that’s not really important.
Wenger says Bendtner will start; he did alright against Wigan so it’s fair enough. I’d guess at Eduardo partnering him. Walcott’s travelling too after being carried off on a stretcher a few days ago. I’ll look forward to the game tomorrow in the match preview.
Gallas will get a well earned rest tomorrow night but he will certainly be missed. Regular readers will know that I wasn’t exactly over the moon at Gallas’ appointment as captain at the beginning of the season. However, I was wrong. This is why I’m not the manager. He’s been incredible for us so far and has been an inspiration to everyone on the pitch. He fights right to the last minute, which can be proved with his two late goals against Man U and Wigan.
His attitude is fantastic. I’ve heard many stories about how he’s brought the squad together. Clichy told us that Gallas introduced the post-match huddle, he took the reserves out to see 50 Cent (shame, but still a nice gesture) and I’ve heard more than a few times that William encourages the squad to go out together and players are often found socialising together outside of the training ground.
Gallas has been great for Arsenal. I’ve been a bit harsh to him, but I’m sure even his biggest fans will say he’s said a lot of controversial stuff and it seems, for now, he’s learnt to keep his mouth shut. The vice-captain, Kolo Toure has been talking about our new leader, even likening him to Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira:
“William gives everything for the Club. Both on and off the pitch, William is a really good captain. He is loud in the dressing room and he has a big heart. Everything he says and does is for the team and the Club. That is the most important quality in a captain. William seems to enjoy the responsibility. He is a really mature player, he has played in a World Cup Final and he is 30. Age and experience really helps as a captain. He leads by example.
When Titi was here, he was outstanding. Patrick was strong and Tony as well. I have played under some fantastic captains and you just follow them. I think he deserves to be mentioned among those names as captain because he is such a strong figure. He has great maturity in a really young team so that’s so important. The young players, when he says something, they really listen to him because they respect him.”
Billy has really grown on me. I’ve always loved a player that gives his all but his ‘ex-Chelsea-ness’ and ‘outspoken-ness’ has been a turn off, but now I have to say I really like Big Willy. He loves the club too and you can tell that he really thrives with the responsibility.
I’m bored of writing now. Speak to you tomorrow about the Seville game.
Ever wondered why Billy has been outspoken in the past? Its because he knew the team weren’t performing at their maximum. He was right to point out some home truths in my opinion.
Sure, you could make an argument for things being kept behind closed doors but I can understand his frustration – joining a team brimming with ability but unable/unwilling to take the bull by the horns. He and Flamini add determination and will to win more than anything but this was saddly lacking during the Henry captain era.
All hail Billy Gallas, frog in throat and all.
“Billy Gallas is our mate,
is our mate,
is our mate,
Billy Galls is our mate,
He hates Chelsea!”
shame about clichy anyway y do u always write your previews so late – i never get any time before the game to read them.
by the way – is bill your favourite arsenal player or wot?
I wouldn’t say i thought it was a wrong decision by wenger to make Gallas captain, after all, if wenger makes a big decision, its normally for very good reasons and we should not doubt them. My mian gripe was with the way Glberto was told or not told (via the Arsenal website). I still think that was a bit poor but I liked Gallas’ moaning last year, it was never personal about players.
I guess I have a lot of sympathy for moaners because in truth I am a bit of a moaner, but it comes from being a perfectionist and as Tim says above its because he knew the players could do a lot better. the fans were frustrated at the poor results last season, considering the players we had – so imagine what a player must feel. combine that with Billy’s own form, which was at best average due to injuries, and you see why he was ‘moaning’ a lot.
a man that is that outspoken needed to use his energies in a positive contructive way. whether we like Gallas or not, his qualities make him the best captain at the club.
gunnerguy,
i usually write my previews a day before the game. but since tomorrow is an evening game i thought i could get away with it.
and no gallas isnt my favourite player