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Wenger's Goodison plans compromised
Arsenal, 10:27, August 14, 2009 ,
Thomas Vermaelen is set to make his full Arsenal debut at Everton, but Theo Walcott, Johan Djourou and Lukasz Fabianski are out.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could be without six players for the trip to Goodison Park after he also revealed Abou Diaby was a doubtful starter with a groin strain.
Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Samir Nasri (broken leg) have been joined by Walcott (back), Djourou (knee) and Fabianski (knee) on the medical bulletin delivered by the boss yesterday afternoon.
"We have some problems," said Wenger. "We have Theo Walcott (back), who is not available. Diaby has a little groin problem but he could be available.
"[Also] we have lost Johan Djourou and Lukasz Fabianksi because they had injuries. Lukasz had a cartilage surgery. He will be out for two months. Johan has a knee problem that will take some time to cure - one month.
"Thomas Vermaelen played 45 minutes for Belgium last night and came through OK so he will be available."
The Belgian international looks nailed on to start alongside William Gallas in a back five which picks itself. The midfield is also short on options with Rosicky and Nasri working their way back from pre-season setbacks.
But the manager has warned that even when they have recovered they will require careful rehabilitation.
"Tomas Rosicky is two weeks away," said Wenger. "Samir Nasri [is out] three-and-a-half weeks now. But it will be six or seven weeks until he is available for training."
Vito Mannone will be on the bench as back up to Manuel Almunia, having only previously made one appearance for the Gunners in the 4-1 win over Stoke at the end of last season.