Alan Pardew bemoans his sideโs lack of new signings. Andre Villas-Boas admits heโd have no problem dropping Lampard or Torres, while Roberto Mancini mulls over handing Carlo Tevez a start against Wigan. Kenny Dalglish comes to Andy Carrollโs defence and Kevin Davies promises Man United a rough old time ahead of tomorrowโs clash at the Reebok. Hereโs todayโs Scribbles, folks:
Didier Drogba is looking to return from concussion in time for next weekโs showdown with Man United. The Chelsea forward will miss tomorrowโs trip to Sunderland and the midweek Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen but Andre Villas-Boas said yesterday the club would โpush it to the limitโ to ensure the Ivorian is ready for the Old Trafford clash.
Villas-Boas also admitted that, if necessary, he will have no qualms about dropping either Frank Lampard or Fernando Torres. The pair were omitted from their respective international line-ups last week and while the Chelsea boss backed his under-fire pair, he admitted:
The moment when it compromises the running of the team, I think it has to come to an end, which is fair enough.
Man City are reported to be not too overly worried regarding Samir Nasriโs broken finger. The winger is still in line for a start against Wigan tomorrow and although the club have yet to comment on the injury, Nasri tweeted yesterday:
I broke my finger during the last international game, I will let you if I will be able to play Saturday.
Reports today suggest Carlos Tevez is in line for a first-team recall. With Sergio Aguero playing in India and Bangladesh the past week while Tevez stayed at home in Manchester, Roberto Mancini may give Tevez a chance to start against Wigan. City play Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday and Mancini will want Aguero 100% for that one.
Stuart Holden is edging ever-closer to his Bolton first-team comeback. The midfielder turned out for the reserves on Wednesday and, having also played last week, is clocking up the minutes as he battles back from a knee injury. Owen Coyle is delighted with his progress:
‘It’s great to have him back. I think he has probably been getting a little bit frustrated because he thinks he can click his fingers after being out for six months and get back at the level he was at.It takes time to build up that fitness and your decision-making in a game, but it was great to see him running about with a Bolton Wanderers shirt on, albeit in a reserve game.
Alan Pardew revealed his frustration over his lack of signings in the August transfer window. The Newcastle boss was desperate to add to his options up front but in a statement that is unlikely to go down well with Mike Ashley and co, Pardew said:
“I can only say that, from my point of view, we put the targets in front of the board and then it comes down to financial decisions, and that financial decision didn’t take place.”
Kenny Dalglish defended Andy Carroll yesterday, following criticism from Fabio Capello over the strikerโs form and fitness. The Liverpool boss spoke ahead of tomorrowโs trip to Stoke:
I think it is unfair to discuss Andy. Everyone wants to talk about it but we have said what we have had to say. What we have said is very pertinent and very honest. We know the truth. We do not have any problem whatsoever with Andy. We are delighted to have him here and he will be a fantastic asset for us.
Kevin Davies has promised Man United they are in for a battle tomorrow evening as the Trotters play host to Sir Alex Fergusonโs side. The forward spoke of his imminent tussle with United new boy Phil Jones and alluded that Bolton intend to target David de Geaโs shaky start to the season, saying:
United at home is one we all look forward to and we fancy our chances against anyone here. I faced Phil Jones at Blackburn last year and he’s a big, strong boy, so I’ll be looking to give him a going over…I’m sure there’ll be a few crosses going in.
