In preparation for Arsenal's game against Montpelier on Wednesday night, Arsene Wenger clarified the injury situation at Arsenal, which has resembled a revolving door recently.
Gibbs returns
Kieran Gibbs has been training for a while and is back in contention for a starting berth having been out since the West Ham game. This is a welcome boost, as Arsenal's superb defensive record at the start of the season was largely down to his combination down the left-hand side with Lukas Podolski. It's notable that Podolski had a quieter period once Gibbs was out, though he seems back in form now.
The more interesting question is whether captain Thomas Vermaelen will move back into the centre or be dropped entirely, having been semi-replaced by Laurent Koscielny in recent weeks. The Frenchman has arguably shown better form than the Belgian, so that's something to watch out for.
Walcott misses out
Theo Walcott will miss tomorrow's game but not the match against Aston Villa, as he has a minor shoulder problem. He's struggled with shoulder injuries in the past, but this seems to be an impact injury from the Spurs game.
Some have suggested this is another 'injury' related to his contract situation, but Arsenal are keen to use him as much as possible before a possible departure.
The Forehead returns
Hooray! Everyone's favourite Ivorian enigma Gervinho returns after a few weeks out as well, though he's expected to be on the bench. Hopefully he won't be utilised as a 'false 9' now Giroud has found his feet, though his favoured left-wing berth is the domain of Lukas Podolski these days. Whatever your feelings, he can offer something to the team, and it's nice to have options.
Andre Santos also misses the game with an abdominal injury, and it's unknown how long he'll be out for. It's likely short term.
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Pity about Walnut but we have the OX and he is just as good, will he stay, wont he stay is still going on methinks, sign Walnut or go I am not bothered, I just want players who want to play for the club not contract bandits who try to force their own conditions before the welfare of the club.
Nice to see Gervinho returning, the jury is still out on this guy for me but its good to have options. I am expecting us to win this at least by 2 goals, and I would be very glad if Giroud get them both, he is becoming my favourite player, I just hope we all turn up and give a good account of ourselves.
Hopefully at Aston Villa we will see a few return to form. Gibbs is essential and Gervinho gives us a penetrative force. I think we need a result against Villa. If you look at the games coming up a win against Villa and even a draw at Everton and we are in line to make up some ground. The top 3 play each other over the next couple of weeks. And I believe Liverpool play the Manc clubs soon. With Liverpool being in the form they are in I fancy them making it difficult. For them
I Gervinho doubt he will be used up front again. It will mark both a kick in the teeth to Girod, and see Theo go. Surely, Theo can’t be happy with Gervinho in front of him to that spot.