WENGERSPEAK
Campbell
According to Arsene Wenger, Sol Campbell got the injury [bone bruising] on the second day of training. Earlier it was reported it was an injury picked up three weeks ago, which got worse during the West Ham game.
Of course it could be a new injury on top of the old one. But ……it gives him time to recover. Wenger says Campbell’s mental state is no problem.
Wenger said Campbell had given him a frank explanation [of the events]. “He’s highly motivated. He has spoken to the players. We are all behind him and support him. He’ll support us for the rest of the season.”
Bolton preview
Wenger says. “We didn’t deserve to lose in the second game [FA Cup]. We have responded very well [Birmingham game]. We want to continue to do that.
All eight defenders are out. Song could come back as a central defender. The back four are the same as from Birmingham with Song possibly added. Ljungberg is available. Van Persie is injured – [toe] and will be rested one more week.
Likely Arsenal team is: LEHMANN FLAMINI DJOUROU SENDEROS LARSSON PIRES GILBERTO DIABY LJUNGBERG HENRY ADEBAYOR
Likely Bolton team is: DAVIES DIOUF NAKATA FADIGA NOLAN STELIOS GARDNER N’GOTTY BEN HAIM O’BRIEN JAASKELAINEN
Bolton could have Diouf, Faye, Okocha and Jaidi back from Africa but Davies undergoes a test. Fadiga, Campo, Speed and Pedersen are out.
On Davies, Wenger said that he doesn’t let you play the second ball.
General
“We are focused and determined to come into a Champions League spot. It [Birmingham game] was a young side under pressure after big disappointment. They have shown great character. This season will be a good learning experience.”
On Liverpool, Wenger said he may re-introduce Eboue or Toure on Tuesday, but he’ll see what state they are in.
On the table:“Liverpool are a reasonable target – currently they five ahead, with same number of games.”
Song
“Song is doing well – he’s had lot of setbacks through injuries.”
Adeybayor
“He has brought us a presence and holds the ball up well. He’s a physical presence as a target man. His confidence will be lifted [from the goal].”
TRANSFER RUMOUR
Agathe
According to the Daily Express, Didier Agathe (30) is poised to sign for Arsenal. He is a free agent after having his contract terminated at Celtic, and offers experience following Lauren being out for the season.
MISCELLANEOUS
What has The Lincolnshire Iron and Steel Institute got…
..to do with Arsenal, you may ask?
On Monday, the Lincolnshire Iron and Steel Institute will hear a presentation on the Ashburton Grove project from Sir Robert McAlpine. The construction of the roof at the new stadium relies on steel for both function and dramatic visual effect.
The talk is at the Corus Conference Centre, Brigg Road, Scunthorpe, at 6pm.