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Fabregas, Adebayor & Walcott To Return For Arsenal
The trio of stars are set to make their return to the first team when the Gunners face Manchester City on Saturday, but six of their team-mates have been sidelined.
Apr 3, 2009 6:27:07 AM
There is an old saying that you have to take one step back in order to take two steps forward, but for Arsenal it's a case of three players back but six step forward to the treatment room. A trio of Gunners have been declared fit to feature against Mark Hughes' Manchester City, only for half a dozen to remain sidelined.
Influential playmaking skipper Cesc Fabregas is to be included in the squad for Saturday's fixture while Emmanuel Adebayor is back following his problematic hamstring injury and Theo Walcott has fully recovered from his shoulder and knee problems.
However, Robin van Persie, Eduardo da Silva, Abou Diaby, Samir Nasri and Carlos Vela will all miss out due to a whole variety of injuries and ailments. Nicklas Bendtner could face a late fitness test to assess his availability regarding knee trouble, but the likelihood is that he will be included.
"We have lost Robin van Persie with a groin problem," Arsene Wenger told the club's official website. "We have also lost Eduardo through a groin problem he picked up after 80 minutes in the Croatian game.
"We lose as well Abou Diaby with a thigh problem that he picked up in France training. We might lose Nasri because he came back with flu and could not practice today.
"So three players are out and there is a question mark over Nasri. But Fabregas, Adebayor and Walcott are all back and available in the squad.
"Nicklas texted us last night and said everything was alright with him. But Carlo Vela, I count out because he lands on Friday morning at 10.30. However, if needed he can be in the squad."
Arsenal host Manchester City at 15:00 BST on Saturday afternoon.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Influential playmaking skipper Cesc Fabregas is to be included in the squad for Saturday's fixture while Emmanuel Adebayor is back following his problematic hamstring injury and Theo Walcott has fully recovered from his shoulder and knee problems.
However, Robin van Persie, Eduardo da Silva, Abou Diaby, Samir Nasri and Carlos Vela will all miss out due to a whole variety of injuries and ailments. Nicklas Bendtner could face a late fitness test to assess his availability regarding knee trouble, but the likelihood is that he will be included.
"We have lost Robin van Persie with a groin problem," Arsene Wenger told the club's official website. "We have also lost Eduardo through a groin problem he picked up after 80 minutes in the Croatian game.
"We lose as well Abou Diaby with a thigh problem that he picked up in France training. We might lose Nasri because he came back with flu and could not practice today.
"So three players are out and there is a question mark over Nasri. But Fabregas, Adebayor and Walcott are all back and available in the squad.
"Nicklas texted us last night and said everything was alright with him. But Carlo Vela, I count out because he lands on Friday morning at 10.30. However, if needed he can be in the squad."
Arsenal host Manchester City at 15:00 BST on Saturday afternoon.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
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