Arsene’s Press Conference Summary
47 comments January 27th, 2007
Team/Injury news
- Robin van Persie could be out for ten weeks following surgery in Holland. Arsene says, “They say six to eight weeks but in our experience it is two and a half months”.
- William Gallas could be back within “two to three weeks”, though there is no set timetable for his return.
- Elsewhere, Hleb, Eboue, Djourou, and Lungberg are injured, with Gilberto suspended. Cesc Fabregas, meanwhile might be rested.
- Jeremie Aliadiere is fit to play.
Transfer News
- Despite liking the player, Arsene won’t be entering the race for Gareth Bale, suggesting (correctly) that he is overpriced.
- In light of Van Persie’s injury, Aliadiere will be staying.
- Alex Song, however, may move on loan: “Diaby is back and Denilson has shown that he is ready to play so, in central midfield, we are a bit congested with Flamini, Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas and Gilberto.”
- Arsenal and Real Madrid will sit down to discuss the respective futures of Julio Baptista and Jose Reyes. It seems the Brazilian is winning Arsene over, however.
Miscellaneous
- Arsene has admitted that Theo Walcott has suffered a dip in the form, saying that when you are 17 “sometimes physically you have a period where you feel a little bit less good – and I think he goes through that period now.”
- He’s also more pleased than me about Michel Platini winning the UEFA Presidency. Each to his own.
