Wenger may have to shop for a midfielder
LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed he could enter the transfer market this month for a midfielder if Brazil international Edu moves abroad.
The Arsenal boss is also waiting for an update on Gilberto Silva's fitness, with the Brazilian set to return to Highbury on Jan 10 after recuperating in South America from a back injury.
But if Gilberto's return is delayed and Edu – who is out of contract this summer and has been linked with a move to Spain – agrees a new deal elsewhere, Wenger will have to find a replacement.
Mathieu Flamini was ruled out of the New Year's Day win at Charlton through injury, leaving Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas as the club's only two fit central midfielders.
“Gilberto comes back on Jan 10, so we will check him then. If he is not fit and Edu decides to go, then we will be short,” Wenger said.
“But I am not looking for another goalkeeper.”
Manuel Almunia has yet to be on a losing side since Wenger surprisingly replaced Jens Lehmann a month ago and has kept four clean sheets in six Premiership games.
Wenger's biggest immediate concern is over the fitness of Sol Campbell for today's game against Manchester City at Highbury.
Campbell twisted his ankle in his side's 3-1 win at Charlton, being replaced by Philippe Senderos with six minutes left.
With Pascal Cygan still out with a back injury, 19-year-old Swiss defender Senderos may be handed his first Premiership start against City.
“Sol has turned his ankle and I am scared that he will make our team even younger for the next game,” Wenger said.
“Pascal Cygan is back to normal training but he will still be too short, so if Sol cannot play, then I think it will be Senderos.”
Wenger may at least have right-back Lauren available to return after a knee injury, although Justin Hoyte impressed at The Valley in only his second league start.
“Lauren has a good chance of being back, although I feel that Justin Hoyte did very well,” added Wenger.
Dennis Bergkamp also faces a fitness test to see whether he has recovered from injury. Robert Pires will return to the starting line-up but Jose Antonio Reyes is still ruled out. – AFP
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