Injuries! Injuries! Get Your Injuries!

Morning folks. There isn't a whole lot going on. Although we have a mid-week match, it's as meaningless as the Spuds last two months of a season so it will be a week filled with nonsense and injury reports (or lack thereof). There'll probably be some transfer rumours in there too, having linked us with just about every striker in Europe, the press might actually catch on that we need a keeper with more urgency than a striker and start pulling a few of those out of their arses to write about.

People reading this blog over the last few weeks/months might have gotten the impression that I am anti-Almunia. I'm not, I'm just anti-shit goalkeepers. I'm sure, as a person, he's a lovely man. I thought that needed clarifying.

Aaron Ramsey's second premier league goal on Saturday is testatment to the development of the player since he snubbed United and Everton to join Arsenal. A player I'd like to say who, had he gone to another club and we tried to buy when he was 'older and established' we would not be able to afford (for those who critise Wenger's youth signings). United were certain they had got their man, so certain in fact that apaprently while Ferguson holidayed in France he left it to Gary Neville to show him around Old Trafford. Being forced to spend an afternoon with Neville is enough to put anyone off anything, but the fact that Wenger flew Ramsey and his family on a private jet for a face-to-face meeting in Switzerland is what really sealed the deal for us.
 
The boyo has come on leaps and bounds, with even Cesc being reported as saying "Aaron has really developed. Physically he is bigger and more powerful. If I go to sleep I will wake up and find him in my place." Which you could interpret as an indication that Aaron Ramsey likes to sneak in to teammates houses in the middle of the night, but you know what it really means. Such praise from our Captain is impressive, especially when you consider that Rambo is still not even 19.

That's really all there is going on. Given that we only have half a squad left, I reckon Wenger will send even more kids to Olympiakos than he might have done before Saturday's carnage. Senderos, on the bench against Stoke, will still more than likely be on his way in January, but in the meantime he has a job to do with the club who still pay his wages and he could get himself a great transfer if he puts in few shifts between now and the opening of the window.

I'll look at the squad/team closer to the game, but with Liverpool coming up next weekend, we will not see the likes of Cesc and Arshavin travel with the squad. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the team was exactly the same as the one we fielded against Man City in the kids cup, the only difference being Senderos in for Song who might be on the bench.

Injury news, and let's face it, this topic has been the most consistent Arsenal one for at least a year now, sees Rosicky possibly out for up to a month with a groin problem. Superb. That counts as a minor, short term injury at Arsenal you know. Other clubs are 'devestated' with the loss of a player for four weeks, we here at Arsenal are learning to be delighted when it's less than six months.

I must say, I have often mentioned on this blog that we must be the most unlucky team when it comes to injuries, but I forgot about Everton who must run us a pretty close second. After watching them come back from 2-0 against the Spuds to make it 2-2, and then watch their keeper save a Spud penalty in the 93rd minute, it just goes to show what you can do with a good keeper and a lot of heart. Just a thought...

Transfer-rumour wise it seems as though Chelsea are going to go in for Paddy. While I wish him all the first-team football in the world in an effort to make the world cup, we know he'd be coming in to cover for when we, as Arsenal fans, hope Chelsea will be significantly weaker. His personal choice seems to be Arsenal first, Liverpool second, but Chelsea if he has to. I still think he could do a job for us, replace Song in January, back-up, the chance to rest others, and if you have the Spuds, Chavs, and Scousers all chasing him (if you believe what you read) there must be something still left in those legs.

Anyways, that's your lot for today. Assuming I survive my return to work today see you tomorrow :)