Injuries Mount in Time for Cardiff



Did you forget about our traditional bad luck with injuries?  I had.  Truthfully.  I focused on having players come back while our tired ones were healthy and enjoying the rotation that would provide. Playing Cardiff would provide us an easy three points. What could go wrong?

Hah!  What could go wrong indeed.  Let's look at the damn list:

The newly returned Theo - a doubt with a shoulder issue.
*Rosicky - a doubt because of a calf issue (he played a full game against Newcastle, so he probably wouldn't have even made the bench)
*Wilshere - who needs a run of games to get some sort of form going - doubt due to ankle issue
*Monreal and Vermaelen - doubt due to getting over illness
*Giroud - out until the 4th with ankle issue
*Ramsey - thigh issue
*Ozil - out with shoulder issue
*Gibbs - our with calf issue

And the usual long-term suspects are out as well.  What irks be about Giroud and Jack are that there injuries occurred at the Newcastle game due to tackles - both were not called for fouls.  I wanted Giroud rested anyway, but Jack?  He's just come back.  And that rhymes.  He's due for a late fitness test and I have a feeling Arsene will play him because he's needed.  So we have a good chance of playing an injured player and exasperating the injury. 

So, what is the squad going to look like?  Podolski will most likely start on the left and if Theo doesn't pass his late fitness test, then I suspect he'll play Serge on the right and Bendy in the middle.  Thank goodness Santi isn't injured.  He can ply the CM role to great affect (like he did against West Ham).  Both Flamini and Arteta are both healthy, and Cardiff can have provide creativity on the wings, so for the sake of numbers, Wenger may employ both.

In the back, I was hoping Per would get a rest before the FA absolutely-mandatory-to-beat Spurs game on the 4th.  Normally, we would see (a tad anxiously) the Vermalean/Koz axis.  If Verm doesn't pass, Sagna could be moved to CB with Jenks deputizing.  Still...someone may need to fill in at left back as well if Monreal is still suffering from whatever illness he acquired - which is usually TV5.  Does Wenger still have cuticles or nails left after so many years managing?  I'd have nibbled them off ages ago.

So basically, we'll put out whatever makeshift squad we can manage.  We beat Cardiff in November 3-0 and they just got rid of their manager after weeks of distracting conflict between their colorful owner and departed manager.  They are, however, a reportedly tight squad, so anything could go.

That's it for tonight.  I'll be back as always for a post-match report.  Here's to taking another three points.  Come On You Reds!

And take care you Gooners.