At Chelsea, William Gallas would have played through his thigh injury.
But Arsene didn’t want him to do that, so he gave him two weeks off in Guadeloupe.
Now Gallas is back from the Caribbean and last night he recorded a French radio interview, along with his pal Thierry Henry, in which they exchanged amusing pleasantries in creole patois.
Also on the show was Tony Parker, a French basketball player with San Antonio Spurs, who is a great friend of Thierry’s.
Gallas said he feels fit enough to play in the Arsenal- Man United game on Sunday.
Both sides have a six-day tune-up for the game, so it should be a high quality contest.
A six-point double over Man United would be a fantastic morale-booster for Arsenal, especially with two victories when United were top of the table.
Yes, Larsson, Ronaldo and Rooney might take some stopping. Their movement is very good.
But Rosicky, Flamini, Fabregas and Hleb might give Arsenal greater keep-ball capability in midfield.
The way Rosicky, Hleb and Fabregas played in the 2-0 win at Blackburn was so mature and sophisticated that they were able to control the game, even with ten men, even away from home.
So this is a good time to host Sir Alex’s league leaders. At a moment when Arsenal are coming off three consecutive wins in the north-west.
The first Wenger-Ferguson clash at the Emirates could be one of the thrillers of the season.
Liverpool play Chelsea on the Saturday, so it’s the biggest weekend of the Premiership season so far.