The upcoming internationals means domestic news in thin on the ground, though Harry Redknapp has a couple of worries to deal with. Emmanuel Adebayor is struggling with a hamstring strain and Rafael Van der Vaart is not too keen on his role on the wing. Sergio Aguero is declared fit to play in Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers, while Nemanja Vidic reckons he’s good to go for Serbia, too. Elsewhere, Blackburn’s owners Venky’s insist they just want the fans to be happy- ominous new for Steve Kean, then. Here’s this morning’s Scribbles:
A report in The Mirror suggests Emmanuel Adebayor has tweaked a hamstring and is receiving “intensive treatment” ahead of Spurs’ Gameweek eight match at Newcastle. Adebayor apparently suffered the injury during last Sunday’s north London derby win over Arsenal, though the club have yet to confirm this on their official website. Worrying news, though, for his Fantasy owners, given the Togolese’s recent form.
Rafael Van der Vaart has questioned Harry Redknapp’s decision to field him wide right in the Arsenal game. The Dutchman had played just behind Adebayor in a 4-2-3-1 the previous week at Wigan, but Redknapp’s decision to revert to his favoured 4-4-2 formation meant a place on the wing for Van der Vaart- much to his reported chagrin:
You want to play in your preferred position, where you can play to the best of your ability but you can see from the goal they scored that my strength is in the centre- when I have to track back, that does not really benefit my game. I’ll do what the coach asks but I am assuming this will not happen regularly. It’s not something I am very angry about but have a minor irritation with.
Sergio Aguero has been passed fit to play and included in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming games against Venezuela and Chile. Having limped out of Saturday’s game at Blackburn with a groin injury, Man City had expected their star forward to be sidelined for a couple of weeks and fear his involvement in the World Cup qualifiers may aggravate the problem and put him at risk for the home game with Aston Villa in ten days’ time.
Sylvain Marveaux grabbed a brace for Newcastle’s reserves last night in front of an onlooking Alan Pardew. The French winger has struggled to nail down a first-team spot since his summer move from Rennes but a starring role in a 3-0 win over Bolton reserves couldn’t fail to impress his manager. In other news, the club have granted Hatem Ben Arfa compassionate leave after a family member has taken ill.
Reports suggest Nemanja Vidic has declared himself fit ahead of Serbia’s upcoming internationals. The centre half limped out of Man United’s opener with West Brom due to a calf injury and hasn’t played since but is apparently now in contention to return for crucial league clashes against Liverpool and Man City.
As the fans call for Steve Kean’s head, Blackburn owners Venky’s have given the strongest indication yet that they may act decisively over the matter. Rovers have just four points on the board so far this season, with perhaps only the performances of Junior Hoilett cause for much optimism and the board clearly has a ruthless streak, as demonstrated by their sacking of Sam Allardyce within weeks of taking over last season. Co-owner Venkatesh Rao admitted:
I have spoken with Steve and we are working on our weak points. We are going to sit down over the next week and have a very big discussion over this…If the fans are happy, we are happy. It’s like a family and we should know what the fans totally feel about it. We like them to have their voice. That is very important for the club and the feel of it.
