Cruciate injury ko’s Pires for six months
The 32-year-old Frenchman, who moved to the Spanish side from Arsenal this summer on a two-year deal, suffered the injury during a pre-season game against Cadiz on Friday.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig revealed Pires had sustained the same problem as Argentina centre-back teammate Gonzalo Rodriguez.
Roig said of Pires: “He will have to undergo surgery. It’s the same injury as Gonzalo has.”
Meanwhile, Gilberto insists Theo Walcott represents the future of Arsenal and is confident the club will nurture him carefully.
Walcott, 17, came off the bench to make his Premiership debut in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday. He supplied the cross for Gilberto’s late equaliser and now looks set for his European debut in the Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow night.
Gilberto said: “He can be one of the important players for Arsenal. He plays his football without fear and that is important. He is a fantastic young player and has a lot going for him. At Arsenal everyone is here to help him. We are there to help and (manager) Arsene Wenger has an important role too.”
Arsenal have one foot already in the Champions League group stages after winning the first leg of their qualifier 3-0 in Zagreb. They should complete the task at the Emirates Stadium but the players are anxious to secure their first win in their new home after starting slowly against Villa.
Gilberto said: “After Saturday’s game, we were a bit upset not to have got the result. We wanted to win our first match here. Now, we have to think about the next game. It is very important to have Champions League football here. We have only done the first part.”
Ashley Cole, left out against Villa, is unlikely to be recalled against the Croatian side even though his proposed move to Chelsea has still not gone through. Cole would be cup-tied if he played for Arsenal and his transfer value would drop.
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