Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger Banks On Armand Traore's Fitness

Wenger offered light relief from November nightmare

21-Nov-2009 3:45:33 PM

More On :  Arsenal
CL: Arsene Wenger - Arsenal (Getty Images)

As Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s fears for the month of November are realised, he must at least be pleased that he has one experienced left back available for Saturday’s match against Sunderland.

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Following the long-term injury to Gael Clichy, Kieran Gibbs sustained severe bruising to the bones and soft tissue of his right foot during the England Under-21s match against Lithuania.

Fortunately for Wenger Armand Traore has recovered from a groin injury.

"Traore is fit and available," said Wenger on the club’s official website.

Wenger also acknowledges that Gibbs’ injury doesn’t appear to be as bad as initially feared.

He added: "He [Gibbs] will be out for Sunderland but maybe we could have him back for Standard Liege on Tuesday."
 
While Robin van Persie isn’t expected to return for around six weeks (perhaps earlier should his placenta-assisted treatment prove as miraculous as it has for some), Mexican Carlos Vela could be teamed up with Eduardo up front, although Wenger is more likely to play one out-and-out striker.

Theo Walcott, who was sidelined with a knee injury, is also expected to return to give Wenger more attacking options but he will miss the Sunderland game.

"Theo Walcott is short for the weekend," said Wenger.

Tony Corbin

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