Invisiblewall.net: Gilberto Silva News

Taken from Arsenal.com

Gilberto could miss the Community Shield.

The Brazilian midfielder returned to training today because he was given time off after playing for his country in the Confederations Cup.

However that gives him only 12 days before Arsenal kick off the new campaign against Chelsea in the Community Shield. Arsène Wenger believes the 28-year-old might not be ready.

“Gilberto will start training on Tuesday, but that is not much time and he could be short. It depends on what kind of shape he comes back in.”

Here is the reaction from some other Gilberto fans….

Mind games. If he’s not injured he will start at least.

Only takes one player for our entire team to be in crisis, more than ever with vieira out. we need players.

I’m guessing that Gilberto will come back in pretty good shape and will be raring to go. He’ll be OK for the Chelsea game, even if he only plays part of it.

I think that if Gilberto isn’t at risk from injury, he should play.

If he is lacking match fitness, the last thing he needs to do is to sit out of a big match.

The fact that Arsenal have sold Vieira to Juventus (link) will have big implications for Gilberto.

Who will partner him during this coming season at Arsenal?

Let’s also remember that his remaining Brasilian teammate Edu also left during the summer.

This leaves Gilberto with just TWO central midfield partners, Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini, both of them vastly inexperienced.

The young Spaniard, Fabregas, is the more likely option, due to his playing style. Flamini doesn’t ‘fit’ along side Gilberto, as they are both too similar.

Fabregas & Gilberto is a tried and tested method, too. During the first four games of last season, Cesc joined Silva in midfield, and Arsenal scored billions of goals, and only let in a few. Flamini & Gilberto didn’t work as well.

Well, at least this means that Gilberto is cemented at Arsenal for next season. Wenger would never sell him after getting rid of Vieira.

Good luck, Berty.

Taken from http://skysports.planetfootball.com/Article.asp?id=291020

Villarreal have stepped up their interest in Arsenal star Gilberto Silva – although they have been firmly rebuffed in their advances so far.

Although Arsenal look unlikely to sell the midfielder, the likelihood of Patrick Vieira staying with The Gunners has increased Villarreal’s optimism over signing Gilberto.

With the player’s agents indicating that he is happy at Highbury, Villarreal may be forced to look elsewhere as they seek a replacement for departing Sebastian Battaglia.

Gilberto looked on the verge of joining Villarreal before his displays at the World Cup lured Arsenal into making a bid that brought him to England.

The Spanish club believe that the promise of a regular starting spot and UEFA Champions League football may force a change of heart from the Brazilian.

This story is the result of bored sky sports editors, but I felt the need to report it anyway. Gilberto is staying at Arsenal, you didn’t hear it here first, because Gilberto said it first. Because he is staying. Which is good.