Gooner Talk

With Cesc Fabregas ruled out and Tomas Rosicky a doubt, Arsenal could be extremely short in midfield for Saturday’s vital Premier League match against Hull.

It looked like the Gunners would face a similar situation in defence as well, but Arsene Wenger revealed in his pre-match press conference that Sol Campbell’s groin injury is not as bad as first feared.

“We have a little doubt about Rosicky, but we will check that tomorrow morning,” said Wenger. “Nobody else is back, but we will lose Alex Song, because he is suspended.

“Everyone else has recovered quite well from Tuesday night. Campbell looks better than expected today. Sagna has an ankle problem but we will assess that tomorrow.

“We will see how it develops and who is available, who I can play. We know we have 48 hours to prepare for this game and it is quite needed.

“But [Fabregas'] chances of playing are 0.5 per cent – that means unless a miracle happens, he will not play. At the moment, he is out of Saturday’s game.”

Gooner Talk’s Predicted XI against Hull

Almunia
Eboue – Campbell – Vermaelen – Clichy
Diaby – Denilson – Nasri
Walcott – Bendtner – Arshavin

Tell us what team you would play against Hull in the comments section below!

Cesc Fabregas won’t recover from his hamstring injury in time to play FC Porto tomorrow. However, Arsenal are boosted by the return of defence-minded players Sol Campbell and Alex Song for the last 16 tie.

Tomorrow’s Champions League clash is make or break where Arsenal’s European aspirations are concerned, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger revealing all on the injury situation earlier this afternoon.

“Cesc is ruled out for tomorrow’s game,” said the manager. “He has a hamstring problem and we could not even take a gamble with him.

“I was hoping [he would recover] after the game because we were cautious with him. He was not adamant about coming out of the team but still he has damaged his hamstring and we cannot take a gamble on him.

“However we have gained Sol Campbell back in the squad and Alex Song too, who was suspended against Burnley.”

Gooner Talk’s Predicted XI

Almunia
Sagna – Campbell – Vermaelen – Clichy
Nasri - Song – Diaby
Walcott – Bendtner – Arshavin

Who do you want to see start against Porto tomorrow? Tell us your preferred teams and predicted scorelines in the comments section below!

Arsenal have a chance to silence some of their critics in tonight’s Premier League clash with Stoke City.

The Potters have been a thorn in the Gunners’ sides ever since they regained top-flight status and last season Wenger, who controversially accused them of deliberately trying to injure his men last season, is certain to name his strongest available line-up for this meeting.

And whoever is picked will have to withstand a barrage of long throws from Rory Delap, which helped remove Manchester City from the FA Cup in midweek.

Team News:

Andrey Arshavin (hamstring), Abou Diaby (knee) and William Gallas (calf) are still out. Therefore Wenger’s main decision is between Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre for the centre back slot alongside Thomas Vermaelen. Both had their problems when a weakened Arsenal side went of the FA Cup on the same ground a month ago.

“Gallas (calf), Diaby (knee) and Arshavin (hamstring) are all out but Eduardo joins in training tomorrow [Friday] and we will decide after training,” said the manager at his pre-match press conference.

Gooner Talk’s Predicted XI

Almunia
Sagna – Vermaelen – Campbell – Clichy
Fabregas – Song – Denilson
Nasri – Bendtner – Rosicky

Have your say on the predicted line up and scorelines in the comments section below.

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