Return To Sender-os?

Typical, after I’ve written two recent columns singing the praises of William Gallas the terrible news came through today that he’s out for several weeks with a thigh injury. Perhaps I should consider waxing lyrical about the likes of Rooney and Drogba in coming days? Or perhaps not!

Billy’s misfortune presents an opportunity to Senderos or Djourou to partner Kolo Toure. My initial thought is with a trip to Bolton, and a likely aerial bombardment coming up on Saturday, it will probably be Senderos who gets the first crack of the whip.

Big Phil must have been thinking that he would finally have a starting berth when it became clear that Sol Campbell was moving on to pastures new at the end of last season. Then came a shoulder injury in the World Cup and he had to watch first Djourou, and then Gallas, impress in the heart of the Gunners defence.

Better news appeared though with the apparent recovery of Robin Van Persie from his weekend knock, and the return from Brazil of Gilberto. Both will be needed for the visit of Hamburg in the Champions League tomorrow night.

The Germans have struggled domestically this season, and are suffering an injury crisis of their own. Nigel de Jong, Guy Demel, Vincent Kompany and Juan Pablo Sorin are all out injured for a side that has won just twice all season. Hopefully, even if the visitors are gifted the customary opening goal, Arsenal should comfortably record a victory. (Closes the article with ‘famous last words’ drifting painfully through my head!).