|
According to reports in Sweden, Freddie Ljungberg was
subbed at half-time against Villa yesterday because of pain in his lower back.
Many thanks to Morgan from Sweden for the following translated
excerpt of this Aftonbladet story
"Neither nor Ljungberg nor anyone else could tell how the
injury had occured. Yesterday nobody could tell how bad it
was or how long Ljungberg would be out of
action."
Ljungberg is quoted as saying "I donīt know how long I will be out. All I know is that it
seems serious and that I canīt play against Blackburn in the cup"
The introduction of Wiltord for Freddie at halftime proved helpful in that he scored a great goal to get us back in the game, it was a bit surprising not to see Freddie come out
(given that he's been on fire recently). It seems now
that the change may have been forced, rather than the "masterstroke of management" which Arsenal.com describe it as.
Still, we are strong in that area of the pitch, with Pires Parlour and Vieira all playing well. Let's hope they can
pick up Ljungberg's goalscoring between while he's out,
and also that Gio or Edu or whoever will rise to the challenge.
But most of all, let's hope Ljungberg isn't out for long.
Patrick Vieira will miss the trip to Anfield on December 23rd,
having picked up his 5th booking of the season yesterday.
Liverpool have Didi Hamann banned from that game too,
although they are optimistic that an appeal will be successful.
It's not cut-and-dried though. Even if he didn't make contact,
if there was judged to have been intent then the ban will stand.
| 
