In today’s news roundup, Arsene Wenger confirms Gabriel Paulista’s hamstring injury sustained against QPR during the midweek Premier League fixture. The injury – sustained on Wednesday night – prompted Wenger to take off the Brazilian who could be sidelined for up to 3 weeks.
Elsewhere teammates Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs praise Olivier Giroud for his fighting spirit after overcoming the setback against Monaco to register decent goal scoring form against Everton and QPR.
These and more in today’s news roundup.
Wenger confirms Gabriel’s injury.
Winter signing Gabriel Paulista is set to be sidelined for at least 3 weeks after the Brazilian sustained a hamstring injury during the 2-1 win over QPR on Wednesday night, as confirmed by Arsene Wenger.
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Gabriel started his second consecutive game but unlike versus Everton, he paired up against the BFG Per Mertesacker rather than Laurent Koscielny. The 24-year old played for 34 minutes before sustaining the muscular injury and was consequently replaced by Koscielny.
Speaking after the victory, the boss said:
It’s a hamstring. I don’t know, it’s bad enough to come off. It’s usually 21 days, not years!”
Wishing Gabriel a quicker recovery!
Manchester United manager praises Wenger.
Arsene Wenger and Louis van Gaal will be going head-to-head as Manchester United will play host to the North Londoners on Monday night in the quarter final of the FA Cup. Regardless of the thick air between them, the United manager had nothing but good things to say about Arsene Wenger, as reported by the Daily Star.
The report reveals the Dutchman admitting Wenger is right in prioritizing qualifying for the Champions League, something Manchester United have felt the negative effects of not being a part of.
“I think Arsene Wenger is always saying the right things – for any club, the Champions League is the highest level,” he said.
“To finish in the top four, it’s a fantastic achievement, and more so for Manchester United.”
The Old Trafford outfit is only a point behind Arsenal who are third with 54 points. The gap was about to widen when United seemed poised to register a barren draw against Newcastle before Ashley Young scored the winner in the dying moments of the game this past Wednesday.
“Usually against the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea you have to be at your best,” he continued.
“In this league, when you’re not, it’s difficult to beat an opponent.
“We saw that yesterday (against Newcastle), you need some luck, Rooney’s goal was ruled out [for offside], there are a lot of aspects you can’t control.”
United are not at their best yet they still manage to scrap more wins. We have a big match coming up on Monday, COYG!
Giroud praised for bouncing back after Monaco setback.
Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs have praised teammate Olivier Giroud for his fighting spirit that saw him overcome his Champions League debacle against Monaco. The French international was to blame for the most part in the game, missing an array of chances as Arsenal went down 3-1 against the Ligue One side. The 28-year old however registered a positive response, getting on the score sheet against Everton and QPR.
“He has certainly responded in the way we wanted,” said Gibbs in London Evening Standard.
“He is that kind of character who always wants to bounce back and do well for the team. He puts a lot of pressure on himself. Credit to him, because he is having a fantastic season.”
Hector Bellerin concurred with Gibb’s sentiments, insisting Giroud shows great character by overcoming such setbacks.
“He knows he has the support of the players and the fans, so we are really happy for him. He is a really important player for us. He is a player who takes it on the chin and works hard.” “Although he had not scored recently, he is a valuable asset to the team and one of our strongest players so we have to stay behind him all the time,” said Gibbs.
“Every player goes through a difficult patch but he is not the type to let it get to him. He has shown great determination in every game. We need that from him and that is why he is world class.”
Hopefully Giroud will be in good goal scoring form as Arsenal visit Old Trafford for the quarter final tie of the FA Cup.
COYG!
Abou Diaby poised for Arsenal exit in the summer.
Abou Diaby could be set to leave Arsenal in the summer, after reports by The Sun suggest that the Frenchman won’t be offered a new contract. The report also suggests that either Mikel Arteta or Mathieu Flamini will also exit from the North London outfit, solely due to the emergence of Francis Coquelin and flexibility of Jack Wilshere in defensive midfield.
“The only thing I can say about Diaby is that he progresses well in training. He goes step by step but is not yet in a position to play,” said Wenger.
“I will have to talk to him soon about his contract. I plan to do that this month.”
Diaby has only managed a single game this season – appearing for slightly past the hour park against Southampton in the Capital One Cup. The 28-year old is currently sidelined due to a continuing calf injury which roots back to a nasty tackle by Dan Smith in 2007.
I think it’s about time we moved on and let Diaby go. Wishing him all the best, he was brilliant during his prime years for the odd game he was fit.
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