He suffered a back injury during the draw with Bolton 10 days ago (but see addendum at foot). While initially it was thought to be a minor complaint which would keep him out of one or two games at most, the news now is that following a trip to a back specialist he's expected to be out for 4 weeks. Depending on further investigation, that could be extended to a period of several months. It seems that it's largely a question of whether or not this is merely a re-inflammation of an old injury, or a totally new problem.

Gilberto does not appear to be everyone's cup of tea at Highbury, but we suspect that this is largely because he turned up as a Brazilian world-cup winner, scored in his first game, and then turned out to be a less flamboyant type than many of his compatriots. He does fill a vital role, and does his business in an unshowy but steady way. The kind of player you don't notice much, but if you were to watch him solidly for 90 minites you'd see he was workign hard and filling holes and so on.

Perhaps the problem (to the extent that it makes sense to speak of problems during a run like we've been having) is one of balance. Gilberto isn't the most attacking of central midfielders, and neither is Vieira. I think that's why many of us have been happy to see Edu in his place (or Parlour at times last year). Perhaps it's why the Cesc/Gilberto combination worked so well, the young Spaniard being a more creative and attacking force. Well, with Gilberto out we're going to get a chance to see this theory tested, as both Edu and Cesc will surely get their chances (and that's not forgettign that both Bergkamp and Flamini can be used there too). Edu's experience is likely to make him the pick for tomorrow night, with Cesc on the bench.

Edu, incidentally, is the subject of rumours linking him with Man Utd. According to The People, Utd have been making "discreet moves". Edu would be a free agent at the end of the season if he doesn't sign a new contract with Arsenal beforehand, and Alex Ferguson has apparently let him know that he'd be welcome at Old Trafford (well, if he didn't know before The People's article, he does now doesn't he?). Edu has repeatedly claimed to be happy at Highbury and that he expects to be staying. But you never know. Perhaps this coming spell will help clarify things. If he finds himself playing 4th fiddle in central midfield after Paddy, Gilberto, and Cesc (and now that Reyes' form has sent him down the pecking order for the left midfield slot), then maybe he won't be so happy. A class player, he'd walk into any other Premiership team. So let's hope he stays.

Rupe adds...
Other reports suggest the injury happened during the PSV match, but that it was thought not to be a big deal until pain forced him off during the Bolton game.