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International play leaves Arsenal in a mire of injuries
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AP Photo/Sang Tan
For a brief moment, it looked as if a true push for first place looked likely for Arsenal. With Chelsea amassing injuries, and the Gunners only five points back with a game in hand, November 29th looked like a right time to stake a claim on the title and measure themselves against the Blues. Of course, nothing has changed since the international break began, but the Gunners seem to be dropping like flies, and all thanks to their non-club duties.
Robin van Persie has opted for an interesting treatment on his torn ankle ligaments, a therapy that involves placenta and is proving quite popular among footballers, at least momentarily. Whether or not it works, he's looking at 4-6 weeks out of action at the least. Kieran Gibbs is now a new injury worry (possible broken metatarsal) for Arsene Wenger to deal with, along with Gael Clichy, Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott, Johan Djourou and Denilson. Attacking options seem limited to Eduardo and the indefinite return of Carlos Vela.
It's difficult to imagine Arsenal running out of attacking options when you have Andrei Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas in the side, but either of those two get a knock and you're looking a completely different team. And, if Diaby's calf becomes a long term issue, any games missed by Alex Song, Thomas Vermaelen or William Gallas creates an issue at the back for the Gunners.
Wenger's side has looked well in the young season, despite losses to both Manchester teams and a draw with West Ham. And they dealt well with injuries earlier in the season, but everyone gets progressively knocked as season gets older. While every game is crucial if the Gunners are to keep pressure on Chelsea, the games are coming fast as we approach the midway point and non-league competitions heat up. Whatever perceived advantage Arsenal may have had over the Blues in their upcoming match has disappeared in a cloud of the international break, and it's damage control as usual for Arsene Wenger.
Is this Arsenal's best opportunity to put the heat on Chelsea? Does Arsenal have the maturity and mental strength to overcome these injuries?
[Guardian, Daily Mail, Soccernet]
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