by CARL ELDRIDGE Seeing off Standard Liege in comfortable fashion to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League came at a price as Kieran Gibbs broke a metatarsal and Bill Gallas had to go off at half-time, and, as you might expect this morning’s paper reflect Arsene Wenger’s disappointment at the injury to the young left-back.
AW told the Daily Mail Wenger said: ‘Gallas has an ankle problem and a swollen eye. I think he will recover from the eye. From the ankle we hope so. Gibbs is much more serious. We have to X-ray him and I think he’s gone to hospital to check. He has a big hole in his leg. It was a very bad challenge from Eliaquim Mangala and it was not his first try. Kieran doesn’t look too good.’
Gibbs’ injury comes just eight days after he hurt his right foot playing for England Under-21s, reports the Sun.
It leaves Arsenal without a recognised left-back as Gael Clichy is still three weeks away after a back injury.
Arshavin needed staples in a head wound after the collision, which led to dazed defender Gallas coming off at half-time.
As well as fall-out from winning the group stage as winners with goals from Sam Nasri and a wonder hit from Denilson, there is a bit of wild transfer speculation to digest, too. The Daily Star says the glorious Gunners will launch a £17m summer swoop for Gabi Agbonlahor – but only if he manages to ditch his inconsistent reputation.
Arsene Wenger has kept a watchful eye on the Aston Villa star ever since he burst on to the scene in 2006.
The Gunners boss was tipped to move for Agbonlahor in the summer of 2007 but the Frenchman plumped for Croatia international Eduardo instead.
Wenger again considered a swoop for the England striker in the transfer window after he had hit 10 goals before last Christmas.
The paper says Arsenal boss wants to bring in Nice striker Loic Remy. He looks like the former Gunners striker and his style is similar to Henry – although his handling might not be as good!
Remy, 20, is aware of Arsenal’s strong interest and has already asked his France team-mates Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna about life at the Emirates.
He said: “I often talk about Arsenal with Diaby and Sagna when I am with them in the French team. They tell me that when you are at Arsenal you want to stay there for your entire career.”
And in the same paper, there is a tale suggesting that we are set to snatch QPR wonderkid Raheem Sterling from under the noses of Manchester rivals City and United.The paper reckons the North West rivals, along with Liverpool, have been tracking Rangers’ 14-year-old striking sensation for months.
Manchester City have already spoken with the Hoops about their hot prospect. But Sterling is close to joining the Gunners after speaking with Academy director Liam Brady. Rangers can expect around £750,000 in compensation plus add-ons.