Gilberto injury – he may miss Ajax game
September 25, 2005
Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva is doubtful for Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Ajax after injuring his ankle against West Ham on Saturday.
Striker Thierry Henry has already been ruled out because of a groin injury, Robin van Persie is suspended and Dennis Bergkamp is highly doubtful.
Gilberto left Upton Park on crutches and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: “It doesn’t look good.
“With all the injuries at the moment we just can’t afford to lose Gilberto.”
Wenger has already assessed forward Bergkamp’s chances of beating a back and groin problem at only 2% and the Gunners have shortages in midfield and up front.
Arsenal’s attack could be led by young Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes, partnered by Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.
Arsenal confident Henry will re-sign
The injury may also leave Arsenal short on experience in midfield – where teenager Francesc Fabregas and 21-year-old Mathieu Flamini may be asked to fill the gaps.
The positive news for Wenger is that Robert Pires, who missed the goalless draw at West Ham, has a good chance of playing in Amsterdam.
This is terrible news for Arsenal, and even worse news for Gilberto himself. There is no news on how long he might be out for – but at the moment, it looks like he’ll miss the Ajax game on Tuesday, then be fit after that.
I wish him a speedy recovery — he doesn’t deserve another long-term injury.