Arsenal News 1/11/08

[xArsenalx]

From ************

Senderos passed fit for the visit of Birmingham
Arsenal v Birmingham City
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Sat, Jan 12, 2008, 3pm



By Richard Clarke

Philippe Senderos has been passed fit for the visit of Birmingham on Saturday.

The centre back was one of three players who picked up injuries during Wednesday’s Carling Cup Semi-Final with Tottenham. Robin van Persie’s thigh problem does not appear serious but he has been sidelined with flu while Johan Djourou is out with a groin problem. Senderos completed the trio but his medial knee ligament trouble appears to have cleared. It is welcome news because, with Kolo Toure and Alex Song at the African Nations Cup, Wenger admits his defensive options are limited.

“Djourou is out, Van Persie is out but Philippe is fit,” said Wenger. “There is not much choice [in defence] but I think Justin Hoyte did well at centre back in the second half. He has not all the reflexes of a centre back yet but we will continue to work with him in this position. He has a good chance to play as well.”

Theo Walcott is available despite picking up a knock on Wednesday. Emmanuel Eboue is also on duty at the African Nations Cup.

Despite all the absences, Wenger is still unlikely to go into the transfer market during the January window but he has not yet slammed it shut.

“Let’s first see how it goes in the next three games,” he said. “There will be a few days left even after the Tottenham game, we can still do something then if it was needed.”

[ Friday, January 11, 2008]

[portista7]

I don't rate Senderos, but you only have 1 recognised CB fit other than him, so this is very good news.

[7enkish]

I hate Senderos for some reason , The best centre backs for Arsenal are Toure and Gallas but since Toure is with his team for the ACN , they have no option but to play with senderos and gallas or Djorou.

[7enkish]

Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia failed to block an easy header as the Premiership leaders were held to a 1-1 draw by Birmingham on Saturday.

Garry O'Connor towered to a corner-kick in the 48th minute and steered a weak attempt towards the goal.

But as everyone at the Emirates Stadium waited for an easy save, the ball floated past the Spaniard goalie to level the score line.

Emmanuel Adebayor had put Arsenal in front in the first period, when he successfully converted a penalty-kick home.

The home side dominated the game after the equalizer but failed to penetrate Birmingham's watertight defense.

Arsenal still in charge of the table with 51 points, three ahead of chasers Manchester United, who play Newcastle United later on Saturday.

Birmingham are 16th on 20 point

LOL , Almunia's inexperience is beginning to kick in.

[Cristiano Best 07]

to bad Lehman is leaving for Germany.

[7enkish]

Yes , I think he's finishing talks with Borussia Dortmund , he also shined at Borussia I think so he'll be going back to the club that made him , too bad for Weidenfeller though , he's probably gonna be the sub goalkeeper after Lehamn comes.