Injury woes a blow to Gunners’ arsenal
Amid calls from captain Cesc Fabregas for the Gunners to be “clinical” at the Emirates Stadium next week, Wenger said yesterday that both Eduardo and Mikael Silvestre (both groin) are out of the game at Fratton Park and face fitness tests ahead of the return match with Manchester United on Tuesday.
Robin van Persie also misses the trip to Fratton Park and Wenger may have to make a call on the Dutchman’s groin problem on the day of the second leg. Gael Clichy (back) has been definitely ruled out for both games.
“For the weekend we have lost Eduardo certainly,” the Wenger admitted. “He has done his groin again unfortunately. Rio Ferdinand fell on him when he had that accident. His knee went on his groin and that detached some fibres. Silvestre has a groin as well. We have not scanned them yet (so we don’t know about Tuesday) but they both miss Saturday for sure.
“Robin van Persie is out for the weekend and we will only know very, very late if he could be available for Tuesday or not. We may not know till Tuesday. Gael Clichy is definitely out.’’
The Gunners were more than fortunate to leave Old Trafford only one goal down, after being torn apart during the opening exchanges of the semi-final first leg.
However, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia performed heroics to deny Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez twice and Cristiano Ronaldo – who also hit the crossbar in the second half.
Fabregas knows his team-mates must not waste any chances to get back into the tie next Tuesday.
“We have to be more clinical in front of goal – that is for sure,” declared the Gunners skipper. “We passed the ball a lot and combined very well, but we were not clinical enough. That is what we have to improve.
“Manchester United deserved to win, but now it is up to us to play well at the Emirates and beat them.”
Meanwhile the Arsenal captain maintains his conscience is clear despite being charged with two counts of improper conduct following allegations he spat at Hull assistant boss Brian Horton after the FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium in March.
Fabregas said: “If I am suspended for that, my heart and my mind will be relaxed because I have not done anything wrong. Eight players were on the pitch as well, so then everyone should be suspended.’’ Arsenal boss Wenger has challenged his young side to produce the performance their potential shows next week.
“It will be a good opportunity to show our character and our mental strength.
“I believe we still have a chance to reverse the result. Football can be like this. We could play tomorrow and you would see a different game.
“That is why I still believe at home we can do it. When you play at home knowing you could reach a final, we will be up for it.”
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