Gooner Talk

Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Eboue could miss Wednesday’s Champions League group stage match at Dinamo Kiev after sustaining seperate injuries during this afternoons 4-0 rout against Blackburn.

Both players were victim to kicks from Rovers’ players with the latter winning a penalty after being brought down in the box by Stephen Warnock.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports:

“They [Clichy & Eboue] will be assessed when we get back. It’s not looking too good for either of them” said the 58-year-old Frenchman.

Wednesday’s game is likely to be a difficult contest in Ukraine, with Kiev looking for an scalp in the early stages of UEFA Champions League competition.

You can read our match report, along with player ratings from todays match, here.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored a hat-trick as Arsenal strolled to a comfortable victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park.

It was always going to be a test for Arsenal seeing as how the last performance away from home was a dire 1-0 loss to Fulham. After a stunning double win over Twente and Newcastle at the Emirates.

Nasri would not start due to a knee knock – despite travelling with the squad, but England hero Walcott would start in what would prove to be a football masterclass.

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Arsene Wenger’s first ever game in charge of Arsenal was a 2-0 win against Blackburn at Ewood Park; the same scoreline would be welcomed with opened arms if it was to occur tomorrow.

Blackburn have registered one league win in five seasons against the Gunners side, and lost eight of the 10 fixtures. Morten Gamst Pedersen scored in the only victory; 1-0 on 25 February 2006 at Ewood Park.

Match Facts

If Emmanuel Adebayor scored tomorrow, he is a hat-trick shy of 50 goals for Arsenal.

If selected, Ivorian defender Kolo Toure will be making his 200th Premier League appearance – all for the Gunners.

Also if selected, Theo Walcott will be making his 100th club career appearance (Southampton and Arsenal).

Team News:

Arsenal will assess the fitness of midfielder Samir Nasri (knee) ahead of the trip to Blackburn.

England hat-trick hero Theo Walcott could be rested to the bench on Saturday, but recent signing Mikael Silvestre (thigh) remains a doubt.

Striker Carlos Vela looks set to be given more recovery time following a late return from international duty with Mexico, while Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Abou Diaby (thigh), Amaury Bischoff (groin) and striker Eduardo (leg) remain in recovery.

Predicted Starting XI

Almunia
Sagna – Toure – Gallas – Clichy
Walcott – Fabregas – Song – Nasri
Adebayor – van Persie

Match Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Arsenal

Leave your views and predictions of tomorrows game in the comments section below.

Arsenal left back Armand Traore is closing in on a season-long loan move to Harry Redknapp’s side, Portsmouth.

The fleet-footed 18-year-old found himself out wide left in Arsenal’s reserves last season and slowly but surely became more comfortable and happy in the more attacking role.

With Mikael Silvestre’s move from Manchester United to Arsenal, it has freed up the the Frenchman’s move to Fratton Park.

Traore has made 18 appearances at the Emirates – most of them in the Carling Cup – since joining from Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco in late 2005.

With just one game into the new Premier League campaign, International friendlies already become the main talking point of the week with several Arsenal players starring for their respective countries.

Here at Gooner Talk, we look to bring you the latest updates and results on how the Arsenal players are doing for their countries with a brief summary of how they got on.

The following players were in action tonight:

Theo Walcott – England v Czech Republic
Nicklas Bendtner – Denmark v Spain
Johan Djourou – Switzerland v Cyprus
Robin van Persie – Russia v Netherlands

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Arsenal have secured the signature of Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre for a fee rumoured to be in the region of £750,000.

The 31-year-old has played over 249 games for the Premier League champions and has surprising swapped Manchester for north London.

Silvestre was reportedly undergoing a medical at bitter neighbours Man City last night when his agent phoned him to say that Arsenal had an interest in him.

According to The Sun, Mikaël immediately abandoned the medical and hurtled down the M1 to meet Gunners boss Wenger and discuss terms.

Speaking on his move to the club, the Frenchman said:

“I’ve spent a large part of my career at United, the last nine years, and I’ll remember that time fondly but feel I’m ready for a new challenge. Arsenal is known for playing technical and skilful football, and has a young but experienced squad. I’m really excited about this next stage of my career, hopefully playing my part in helping the Club to new successes.”

What is also surprising, is the fact that Wenger has given Silvestre a 2-year deal, going against his usual 1-year to over 30’s policy.

Not only will the signing of Silvestre bolster Arsene Wenger’s defensive options, but it should also provide experienced cover for fellow countryman Gaël Clichy.

Mikael will wear Pascal Cygan’s old number 18 shirt.