On monday, while training for the Hamburg game, Gallas picked up a freak thigh strain while taking a free kick. It was feared that he'd be out for a few weeks, long enough to see him miss the big games against Tottenham, Chelsea, and Porto. But now, while Arsenew Wenger says that the games against Fulham and Tottenham might be "a bit premature", Gallas has a fair chance of being fit for Porto on the 6th. And that means he's got a good chance of being available to face his former employers Chelsea on the 10th, something I'd very much like to see - you get the feeling he's the type who'd rise to the occasion (he's been proclaiming his proud Goonerdon and getting in some digs at Chelsea in the process). Phillipe_Senderos had a good game on Tuesday, and with him and Johan Djourou as back-up for Gallas and Kolo Toure we must have one of the strongest central defensive squads in the world. But the pace and particularly experience of Gallas and Toure puts them clearly ahead as first choice partnership. It could make all the difference in Portugal and West London. Personally, I have to admit to a niggly feeling that Gael Clichy still has a bit to learn and that perhaps Gallas is a better left back at the moment. I'm not particularly advocating him starting there ahead of Gael, but it is nice to have the option if only during the game.

Meanwhile Tomas Rosicky is training well and closer to fitness. He won't play against Bolton but could be back for the Fulham game on Wednesday. Having seen Freddie Ljungberg have his best game for ages, returning from injury on Tuesday, I'm thinking perhaps we won't miss Tom so much now. But it's great to know he should be fine for the 3 big matches that follow Fulham.