More Bad News Gunners
William Gallas Out Injured For The Remainder Of The Premier League Season
Defender joins Fabregas on sidelines for run-in.
By Zubeyr Macalim Nairobi Tell +254722102233
Arsenal defender William Gallas will miss the rest of the season with a calf injury he sustained against Barcelona, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.
The French international had missed eight games with a similar injury before his surprising return against the Spanish side in the Champions League on Wednesday, but limped off in the first half having aggravated the injury.
Initial reports said the defender would miss three weeks, but Wenger confirmed the club’s medical staff have assessed the injury further, and now believe he will miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign.
“Gallas is longer than three weeks, I would say five weeks,” Wenger told the press on Friday.
“It was a gamble which did not pay off and was a mistake, yes.
“He could be back maybe quicker, but I just give myself five weeks because three weeks is a minimum and we will have to be a bit more cautious with him.
“So when we go to the Champions League final, he still has a chance to play.”
Gallas is Arsenal’s second-best defender, according to the Castrol Rankings, with only Thomas Vermaelen ahead of him, the Belgian at No.75 to Gallas’ No.98.
Wenger denied suggestions that Andrey Arshavin would also miss the remainder of the campaign, sticking to the initial prognosis that the Russian forward would miss “21 days”.
And there was some good news for the Gunners as defender Gael Clichy (back) and midfielder Denilson (groin) are both fit to play in Saturday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Arsenal:Injury News!
Please note The injury news on Arsenal.com is updated only from Arsène Wenger’s press conferences and his interviews with Arsenal TV Online.
For clarification purposes, this is dated.
Cesc Fabregas
April 2
Following a scan on Thursday afternoon, the Club confirmed that Cesc Fabregas has suffered a small crack in his right fibula as a result of the collision with Barcelona defender Carles Puyol during Wednesday evening’s match. As a consequence, Cesc will miss the remainder of the domestic campaign as he will be out of action for at six weeks.
William Gallas
April 2
William could miss the rest of the season with a calf injury. “I would say five weeks,” commentted Wenger on April 2. “He could be back maybe quicker but I just give myself five weeks because three weeks is a minimum and we will have to be a bit more cautious with him.”
Andrey Arshavin
April 2
Andrey suffered a calf injury against Barcelona and despite report suggesting he will miss the rest of the season, Wenger confirmed he should return to action in three weeks. “I don’t think [he will miss the remained of the season],” said the manager on April 2. “Let’s count 21 days. It is April 2. April 23 he should be capable to play. Possibly Man City. He should be available for that game.”
Aaron Ramsey
March 30
Aaron was stretchered off during Arsenal’s 3-1 win at Stoke on Saturday after sustaining fractures to the tibia and fibula in his right leg. He had surgery the following day and will miss the rest of this season. “It is too far away to set any realistic deadline [for Ramsey to return],” said Wenger speaking exclusively to TV Online on Thursday, March 4. “Let’s let him heal. The good news is the surgery went well and it is not a career-threatening injury. But it is two breaks and to get back to your best you need not only to practice again but you need time to recover your co-ordination. He is a young boy and he will recover from this but it is a bad injury.”
Robin Van Persie
March 30
Robin has been out since November after suffering ankle ligament damage during an international friendly against Italy and Arsène Wenger believes he could return to training soon. “I think he will be back [at the Club] this week,” said the manager after the win over West Ham. “We sent our fitness coach out to Holland where he has been having his rehabilitation. Physically he looks very sharp but we aim at least to wait a month.”
Kieran Gibbs
March 30
Arsène Wenger admits that Kieran Gibbs could return by the end of the season after a second operation on the broken metatarsal he suffered during the game against Standard Liege on November 24. “There is a little chance [that Gibbs will be fit before the end of the season] if all goes well now,” said Wenger on February 25.
Johan Djourou
March 30
Johan suffered a knee injury while on international duty in August and is expected to return to action in two months time. “It is still two months for Johan,” said Wenger on Thursday, February 4. “We have to be patient with him. He is working well and progressing well. But he is not an immediate resource.”
BY Zubeyr Macalim Email Subayr@hotmail.com
