Injury news is always the area that gets keenest attention post the international matches. This time, it was beforehand with Theo Walcott’s shoulder injury. The initial reports in the media appeared to be sensationalist but the club has confirmed that the youngster needs an op and according to Arsene, he will be out for at least three months. It leaves the club somewhat short on the right hand side with Sagna’s absence. Emmanuel Eboue can provide cover for either and his return to action is suggested as this weekend, leaving Kolo Toure as the option to fill in for Sagna. There are, of course, other permutations which allow Arsene to field a 4-4-2 rather than five across the middle, the options for which will become more apparent in the next day or so in the lead up to the visit to Manchester City. The starting line-up in midfield is made somewhat simpler with the absence of Cesc Fabregas through suspension.

Onto cheerier news, lead elbowist Robin van Persie scored twice for the Dutch last night in their 3 – 1 win over Sweden which, if he brings the form to his club performances, almost proves a rest is almost as good as a change. With Walcott and Fabregas being absent, van Persie has more attention for attacking focus placed upon him. It is a role that many, myself included, think he is most suited to, supporting Adebayor, providing an alternative outlet as well as prompting.

Criticism of van Persie for being too individualistic and not a team player misses the point; those are his strengths. It is his unpredictability that makes his role a ‘team role’, preventing attacks from Arsenal becoming too predictable as evidenced against Aston Villa.

Arsene has praised Johan Djourou:

Johan Djourou is not comparable to the player he was six months ago. He has gained in personality, in determination and in quality. I spoke with the Swiss national team coach last week and I was telling him how good he is.  He is pushing all the other players [at Arsenal]. At the back you want players who are strong in the duels and strong in the air. Johan’s size is a big advantage. He is among the top quality.

It is a typical piece of Wenger praise for the player, whom many rated more highly than Philippe Senderos even in the latter’s prime season of 2005/06. The question is when the player will be better than that currently on offer? The form shown by the older players has been patchy and in his mini-run in the side earlier this season, Djourou certainly played well in their absences. The physical qualities mentioned by Wenger are key to the mistakes that have proved costly so far and surely if this continues, Djourou will be given a proper run to prove his worth.

’til Tomorrow.