|
Oleg Luzhny is a major doubt for tomorrow night's Champs League second phase opener in Rome. The Moose has been having his best spell yet at Arsenal during Lauren's enforced absence, but has
a hamstring problem and is rated as having only a 20% chance
of playing.
Young German Moritz Volz has been called up as cover. Some of us were calling for Volz to be given a go well before this (when Oleg wasn't showing us so much), so it'll be interesting to see
him get a chance in such a big game. With Kolo Toure out (suspended, hence his appearance for the reserves last night)
the only alternative to Volz would appear to be Stathis Tavlaridis. Actually the Greek's slightly greater experience
probably makes him more likely, even though Volz may be a more natural right back. But Wenger has confirmed that Volz was taken off at half time in Monday night's reserve match because of the possibility that he'll be needed in Rome (and Arsenal did a lot better with his replacement Alex Bailey!).
See Arsenal.com for full squad, which does include Martin Keown.
But there's no Kanu (injured) or Bergkamp (left at home), so
the striking options are Henry with Wiltord or Jeffers.
It'll probably be Wiltord, with Pires and Freddie both starting on the wings and Jeffers on the bench. Gilberto
will presumably return for Edu (who didn't have a good game
filling in for his compatriate on Saturday).
Roma skipper Francesco Totti could make his return against the Gunners. He's been suffering from injuries all season, most recently a knee problem which has kept him out for a fortnight, and together with suspension it means he's yet to appear in the Champs League at home this season. But he did score the winner at Real Madrid in the first phase.
Cafu was reported to be out of the game after picking up a
knee injury in Brasil's trip to South Korea. But he is included in the squad and will play if he passes a fitness test. He did train on Tuesday, as did another injury doubt, midfielder Tommasi (although reports later on Tuesday suggest Tommasi is out).
Roma aren't having too good a season so far. They're conceding lots of goals and haven't won any of their last 4 matches. But
they've got lots of top players including Brasilians Aldair and Emerson (whose injury gave Gilberto his chance at the World Cup), and of course there's Batistuta.
But Aldair is reportedly injured, and Batigol not a certain starter these days. He'll probably be on the bench as cover for Delvecchio and Montella.
Roma have just been ordered to play a home match away from their stadium. This (together with a fine) is the Italian FA's punishment for an incident involving a home-made explosive device at their match in Parma (a 3-0 loss),
which resulted in a Fireman losing a finger. I hope they're paid what they're worth in Italy!
Finally, Roma president Franco Sensi has been moaning about refs
(how low can you get?). He even went on telly to claim conspiracy after Inter equalised from a debatable corner last week. See Evening Standard
Rupe adds...
Don't forget, since ITV relented over the coverage fiasco,
ITV News channel (showing tonight's game) is now available
on Sky Digital. The game will also be shown in full on ITV1
sometime in the early hours.
|