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!

Arsenal are through to the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League following a convincing display that earned them a 5-0 triumph over FC Porto, winning 6-2 on aggregate.

Arsene Wenger’s side knew that one goal could be enough to advance to the quarter finals, and the Londoners attacked right from kick-off, putting great pressure on their opponents.

Almunia
Sagna – Campbell – Vermaelen – Clichy
Diaby – Song – Rosicky
Nasri – Bendtner – Arshavin

Subs: Fabianski, Silvestre, Traore, Eboue, Denilson, Walcott, Eduardo.

Click here to read more »

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’s French maestro Samir Nasri is subject to Gooner Talk’s Picture of the Week after sporting some rather ‘choice’ underwear. The midfielder was pictured wearing the below during the Gunners’ 3-1 triumph over Burnley on Saturday.

Check out the pic below:

On-loan Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere shone in a terrific display for Bolton against West Ham this afternoon — and was rewarded with a classy goal.

The 18-year-old scored through a clever scissor kick finish with just 16 minutes on the clock at Upton Park.

Our good friends over at Young Guns have updates on all of the Arsenal loanees. Click here to check out their progress.

Wilshere’s goal v West Ham: