David Silva’s ankle problem isn’t as bad as first feared. Thierry Henry undergoes extra fitness sessions as he pushes for a start against Swansea, Scott Parker could return for Spurs, while Darron Gibson joins Everton from Man United:
Owners of David Silva will be relieved to hear that the diminutive Spaniard is due to resume training tomorrow and could be ready to face Wigan. The Monday evening kick-off could serve as a blessing, affording Silva a couple of extra days to recover from the ankle injury which kept him out of the mid-week cup defeat to Liverpool. Silva saw a specialist on Wednesday and the injury will be assessed today once the swelling has gone down. Assistant manager David Platt, who also admitted Mario Balotelli is a doubt for the Latics showdown, said:
David did a bit of running yesterday and will do a bit more today. Hopefully he will be back on the training pitch tomorrow.
Harry Redknapp is hopeful that Scott Parker will recover from a knee problem in time for tomorrow’s game with Wolves. Parker hasn’t featured for Spurs since limping off in the New Year’s Eve draw at Swansea. Redknapp conceded Ledley King isn’t yet ready to return from a hamstring problem, while Sandro and William Gallas remain sidelined, due to calf tears.
Arsene Wenger has revealed Thierry Henry is undertaking extra training sessions to build up his fitness ahead of the weekend’s trip to Swansea. Henry came on as a second half sub in last Monday’s FA Cup clash with Leeds and has admitted he is short of playing the full ninety minutes. Wenger, speaking to Arsenal Player earlier, said:
Thierry wants to help out so he makes extra sessions to try and get back to his full fitness. He is not there yet but he is not far from the level he was at when he left here [in 2007]. He is fit enough to start a game but not fit enough to last or play the whole thing. Those are the decisions I always have to make considering the balance of the team. Does he sometimes start? Does he sometimes come on? That’s what I have to decide. He is in the squad for Sunday.
Wenger also admitted he intends to utilise the talents of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain more often over the new few weeks. The youngster has featured just once for the Gunners in the league so far, coming on as a second half sub in the 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford back in gameweek 3, but played in the FA Cup game with Leeds, with his manager admitting:
He is very close now and he will be used in the next six months for sure. He is working on his defensive side, his urgency and his committed level as well. When you are a young, talented player you have to experience that talent is good, but that commitment at the top level is highly needed too. I am very happy with him. I am confident that in the next few weeks he will play.
Alan Pardew has praised unsung defensive duo Mike Williamson and Davide Santon for their recent contributions to the Newcastle back-four. While Pardew’s plaudits will perhaps increase Fantasy interest in Santon, in particular, they may be a little unnerving for owners of Ryan Taylor. Taylor, who has been playing much of the season at left-back, looks like he could be ousted from that position by the Italian under-21s captain. Pardew said of Santon:
He can play both sides and he gives us a massive weaponry. But at the moment, left-back, he looks like he has probably got the nod.
Everton have confirmed the signing of Darron Gibson from Manchester United in a four and a half year deal. The Irishman will be available for immediate selection, meaning he could make his debut on Saturday at Villa Park. Gibson will be a welcome addition to David Moyes’ midfield, and with injuries to Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell, could go straight into the side. Gibson has featured just once for United this season, providing an assist in their win over Wigan.
There has been some welcome injury news for Blackburn boss Steve Kean, with Paul Robinson and Junior Hoilett both in contention to play against Fulham tomorrow. The duo have missed a fair amount of time over the last few weeks and their potential return would be a massive boost to Rovers’ survival hopes. Meanwhile, Scott Dann is still around a week away from a return and Martin Olsson has trained successfully and is also in contention to start against the Cottagers.
Chelsea’s Gael Kakuta has joined French side Dijon on loan for the rest of the season. In the hope that he’d do a Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea farmed Kakuta out to Bolton for the first half of the campaign, but the youngster was afforded just 72 minutes game time by Owen Coyle.
