Scholes & Hargreaves - Time to Say Goodbye?

Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves. Six years and 631 Manchester United appearances separate the two midfield maestros, but to the extreme misfortune of the latter, that is not the only thing that is different. Aside from the obvious difference in appearance; Scholes's distinctive short ginger hair and scruffy appearance compared to the Canadian's sleek, curly locks and pulled up socks, Paul Scholes has not suffered persistent, possible career ending injuries to the extent that his midfield colleague Hargreaves has.

Both players have been key in the teams they have represented - Scholes with England and United and Hargreaves with England, Bayern Munich and, whenever possible, United too. Hargreaves's gritty, hard-working, disciplined and precise attitude that helps him run the midfield like an engine when in top form and free from injuries has been starting to run out of petrol and chug to a halt for a while now. Those injuries have taken their toll on the 30 year-old, and as soon as he has recovered from one, he picks up another. It is pure, unrivalled footballing bad luck.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that we will not see Hargreaves play for Manchester United again this season, and that, regrettably could mean that we will never see Hargreaves play for United again, as his contract expires at the end of this season. Referring to a possible contract extension, Sir Alex said, in an unusual indecisive manner; "I don't know what is going to happen."

Talks with David Gill have been held, but that is all they are - talks - nothing more. It is understandable that Ferguson is unsure over Hargreaves's future. The player himself, or probably even his doctor are unsure over his future. His body, his injuries are just so unpredictable that a new contract would be a big risk, and one that could end up devastating an already shattered Hargreaves.

Ferguson concluded, "We have to make a decision." Indicating, rather hopefully that Hargreaves has something to cling to. There may yet be some optimism, some light at the end of the injury ravaged tunnel, the tunnel that Hargreaves has so often walked down, or hobbled down to receive some treatment. Sir Alex knows, as we all do, that if Hargreaves were to be free from his injuries, he would be a Manchester United regular, and would be driving the team forward every week to success, much like he did in his double winning first season at Old Trafford.


Scholes has been far from injury free himself, suffering blurry vision in the 05/06 season which ruled him out for a while, as well as knee ligament damage late in 2007 which saw him miss a good few months. But Scholes's end is not coming about because of injuries, but rather age, the thing that one day affects us all. Ryan Giggs is apparently immune from this thing called "age", but Scholes is not so lucky, and in a recent rare interview, the 36 year-old reiterated the uncertainty surrounding his future; "I really don't know what I am going to do yet. I've got these games to think about now and I will decide from there."

United are already looking for a replacement, with rumours circulating everywhere about the future of United's midfield, as to whom, or what will replace the passing, inspirational expert that is Paul Scholes. His ability, much like Hargreaves, in the past has been severely underrated, but those who truly admire the beautiful side of football, the precision perfect cross-field passes, the delightful dinks over the defence, the astounding forward thinking vision and the tenacity of a little man in love with football, will understand how truly great Scholes has been.

It isn't everyday that a footballer is called the "greatest player of his generation" by none other than Zinedine Zidane.

Scholes's age has limited his starts this season, and unfortunately, it is something that we will have to begin to get used to if he decides to hang up those legendary boots that have graced countless football pitches all over the world representing Manchester United. Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley may be his last Manchester derby, but it is by far, one of the most important.

Hargreaves may not have a starring role, but Scholes sure as hell will, and who knows, when he walks out onto that Wembley pitch and is greeted by cheers of 80,000 football fans, he may be overwhelmed by the great occasion and sway his mind into staying at his club for just one more year. His future is in his hands, but whatever the decision, he will have the support of Manchester United fans and footballing fans everywhere.

Watch Goals: Blackpool 1 - 3 Arsenal

After Manchester United's influential Nani orchestrated an easy yet uninspired win and won three points against Fulham on Saturday, Arsenal's game against Blackpool was even more crucial in their race for the title. The Gunners fended off Blackpool's good start, helped by their loud and vibrant home support, cheering at every attack, and, against the run of play, Arsenal were able to carve open the Blackpool defence twice in quick succession to silence Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool were not in the giving up mood however. The second half saw the home crowd have much more to cheer about, with plenty of chances created, mostly in the first 20 minuted or so of the half. About 7 minutes into the second half, Taylor-Fletcher had forced the Tangerines back into the game with a good finish to beat the returning Jens Lehmann who was playing due to the late injury to Almunia in the warm up. Reports that Lehmann injured the Spaniard himself are unconfirmed. 

The German keeper could have been sent off in the lead up to the goal, bringing down an onrushing DJ Campbell to prevent him from scoring. Lee Mason had played the advantage previously when Wilshere brought down a Blackpool player, and he played it again which prevented Lehmann's dream return turning into a nightmare.

For about 10 or 15 minutes after the goal, Blackpool looked dangerous, but as Arsenal began to weather the storm, there looked like there would be only one result. And despite Blackpool's worthy efforts to get the equaliser, the game was killed off by a van Persie goal thanks to Theo Walcott's break in the 76th minute.

The Manchester United optimists and the Arsenal pessimists believe that the title race is already over, with a now seven point gap too much to overcome. But with a game in hand and a big game between the two sides to come, it may not be that simple.

Johan Djourou Back in Under Two weeks

The initial diagnosis to Johan Djourou's unfortunate shoulder injury suffered against Manchester United in the FA Cup was that he would be out for the rest of the season. Groans echoed around the Emirates stadium, coming from frustrated Arsenal fans who had already had to suffer without Thomas Vermaelen for the majority of the season. The news about his injury however, began to get better and better, and today it has been reported that the Swiss defender may be back for April 17th - in time for Arsenal's Premier League clash with Liverpool.

The 24 year old injured his shoulder in a collision with Bacary Sagna, his Arsenal team mate during the United clash on 12th March. The news emerged that reconstructive surgery n the players shoulder was not needed and only a period of rehabilitation was required to see his shoulder recover. It was predicted on the 22nd March that Djourou would be back in training inaround a month, so the news that he could be back in just under two weeks is quite surprising - but encouraging for Arsenal.

He had to be  stretchered off and was in a considrable amount of pain, but he is sid the be "eyeing" the Liverpool fixture with anicipation for his return.

Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was involved in a car accident on his way to training on Monday morning. It was a minor accident, and no-one was hurt, with neither part requiring hospital treatment.
An Arsenal club spokesman confirmed:

"Cesc was involved in a minor car accident on his way to training this morning.

"After the incident, Cesc made his way to our training ground in London Colney and took part in a training session as normal.

"The Police are fully aware of the incident."

So after a disappointng, unpenetrative performance against Blackburn which saw Wenger's side draw a blank and walk away with a solitary point, and fall further behind United in the title race, thee is some good news on the injury front for once.

Hargreaves Injury Update - Not Good

I am still awaiting the day when an injury update on Owen Hargreaves can be classified as 'good news'. As it is, the Canadian born midfielder is once again on the all to familiar treatment table at United. This time it is his shoulder.

Apparently, he damaged his shoulder in training with United and will now be out for another month. He felt his shoulder pop out of its socket as he challenged for a header. The initial fears are that he has damaged ligaments and could be out for at least four weeks.

He has already missed the majority of the season with his persistent knee injuries and hamstring injury and received several operations to cure  the continuous trouble but now more misery is heaped onto the poor guy. I suppose the good news from this is that it isn't a recurrence of the knee injury or the hamstring injury he picked up earlier this season.

Hargreaves started against Wolves to the surprise of many back in November. It was all looking great until the sixth minute when he pulled up with a hamstring injury and was once again forced down the tunnel to receive treatment and the inevitable bad news.

At 30 years of age and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it would be a leap of faith for Sir Alex to keep him at United for another year considering his injuries. He would certainly be worth the risk if he were to overcome his injuries, but much like Michael Owen, whose contract also expires come the end of the season, it would be a big risk.

Season Over for Vermaelen But Djourou Has a Chance

Arsenal's increasingly disheartened manager Arsene Wenger confirmed some more bad news today in relation to  Thomas Vermaelen. Wenger said at his pre match press conference:

“For Thomas Vermaelen the season is over."

“In fairness he has not played since September, I never expected him to be fit before the end of the season. He is not out on the field yet and it is impossible [for him to play] after six months without competition. I am confident he will have a full recovery but for this season we cannot rely on him.”

Considering how long Arsenal have had to cope without the Belgian centre back this season after he suffered an Achilles injury on international duty, the news won't be as big a blow.

Wenger also set the record straight about Johan Djourou's injury. The Swiss defender dislocated his shoulder in Arsenals FA Cup loss to Manchester United and was immediately ruled out for the rest of the season. However, under closer inspection by he Swiss FA, it has emerged that Djourou has a chance of playing his part in the final run of games but will be out for six weeks. Wenger said:

“Johan Djourou is out for at least six weeks. There’s a little chance [he will play again this season], he has an arthroscopy on Monday and we will know more about the damage in his shoulder. We hope we will have good news but no matter what happens he will be out for six weeks.”

The International break next week will be a good time for players to recover from injuries they have picked up during the recent tough run of closely arranged fixtures, with Cesc Fabregas hoping to benefit. The Spaniard will be missing for the week end game, but Wenger hopes he will have recovered by the time the International games are over. Walcott holds little chance of recovery any time soon and will certainly miss England's games in the week:

“Cesc Fabregas is out for the game on Saturday. He should be back after the international break, maybe, he has a chance, but he is not available for the weekend. Walcott is not available for the weekend and he has no chance [for the international break]. He is not available for England.”

Nani Speaks About Carragher Tackle & Why he Cried

Nani has spoken. The Manchester United winger was the victim of a horrendous challenge from Jamie Carragher at Anfield when United met Liverpool. The incident was well publicised and overshadowed the Liverpool win in which United were outplayed. Rivals fans to United questioned the seriousness of the injury and suggested that United fans were using the tackle to cover up a poor performance.

Whatever the case, there is no denying that the tackle warranted a red card, and as Nani says here, his tears immediately after the tackle came as a result of him believing his season was over. The deep gash on his shin was clear for all to see, but Nani was still criticized for shedding tears. The recently returned Portuguese said:

“When I saw my leg for the first time, I thought my season was finished. That is why I was crying.

"Afterwards, the doctor saw my leg and said I had been lucky because it just needed stitches and I would be out for two or three weeks. He is surprised that I could recover even quicker.”

Nani was slightly hesitant in taking on the left back on his return to action after the injury against Marseille, but he recognises that the physical side is to be expected in the English Premier League:

"English football is like that. It is about making tackles.

“The fans enjoy it. I always finish the game sore because I have had three or four tackles on the same part of my ankle.”

However, despite accepting the physical side of the game, he agrees with most logical football fans when he says the Carragher tackle should not be accepted. Nani said:

"I don’t know what Carragher was thinking but I do know what he did was not football.”

 “He came to apologise after the game. But I was not happy. It is the second time he injured me. Before, he put me out of the game for two months. He always tackles like that. I don’t want protection. I just want the referees to be fair. If it is a red card, they have to give it. If they give the card, the next time the player doesn’t make the tackle.”

Rumours have arisen recently stating that Nani has asked his agent to look for clubs in Italy for a possible transfer. This was however dismissed by the 24 year-old who said on his official Twitter account that he had "seen some false reports on the press. I want you to know that you will hear the truth from me. Love MU".

So we will be seeing a lot more of Nani in the future then. Perhaps no the immediate future though, with him admitting to being a doubt for the Old Trafford clash with Bolton this Saturday:

"I played against Marseille but maybe I couldn't play tomorrow because I have so many injuries. My leg is OK [but] it is not 100% and the confidence is not the same.

"I know players always like to tackle me, so I have to be careful. That is why my football was not the best. But it is great to be back. Now I am just thinking about the next game when I think I will be much better."

Yet More Injury Woe For Arsenal

Saturday's semi-final between Manchester United and Arsenal saw the return of both Antonio Valencia and Aaron Ramsey from their horrific injuries. But after one injury recovery, another injury was inflicted to an Arsenal player. Johan Djourou, who has been great in defence for Arsenal this season, had his arm ripped out of his socket in an awkward collision with Bacary Sagna late on in the match.

The Switzerland international will now miss the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder, Wenger confirmed:

"We have lost Djourou now for the rest of the season and it will be difficult for us. It is a dislocated shoulder"

Wenger also wasn't happy with the way in which his team have gone out of three competitions in just a fortnight. The only silverware that Arsenal can now win is the Premier League, which Manchester United currently hold pole position for. Wenger believes it can still be won:

"I believe that we can do it but it’s a good test for us now to show that we can regroup.


"I am very disappointed that we lost three big challenges in a very strange way. One was in the last minute to a goal that came from nowhere [Carling Cup], one was under strange circumstances in Barcelona and now this. We weren’t outplayed but we were punished by a team that was more clinical than us."

Wenger is in an extremely unfortunate position. He has an incredibly tough job to pick up his players and force them to push for the Premier League title. A few weeks ago, Arsenal fans were tentatively talking about a quadruple, but now, they have just one aim; to win the league. Losing in the late stages of three major competitions in the space of two weeks is crushing for players and teams, and when they come one after the other, it must seem like one blow after the other. Add to that the injury list that has been relentlessly added to over the season, and moral must be pretty low.

The late stages of the season are when teams need all the positivity possible, but positivity is not an element radiating from the Emirates right at this moment.

Watch The Match Goals Here

Read Match Report Here

Valencia Back for Arsenal Game - Nani Out

It will come as no surprise that Nani will miss the Arsenal game on the weekend after the horrible tackle that he was the victim of which left him with a gaping wound on his shin. Apparently, the injury was worse than originally expected, and the Portuguese's injury swelled up so much, that they couldn't stitch it up to close the wound. This means that the influential creative spark in United's average midfield may be out for up to a month rather than a few games.

That bad news is countered with the report from the Daily Mail which claim that Antonio Valencia, who, as I'm sure everyone is sick of hearing, broke his leg against Rangers (terrible game) over half a year ago, "is likely to be in Manchester United’s squad to face Arsenal".

This is of course fantastic news, and the strikers will be delighted that Valencia could be back to deliver some sumptuous balls into the box for their predatorial instincts to strike home. He was left out of Wednesday's reserve game against Blackpool in which he was expected to play, as apparently, United didn't want to risk him on such a bad quality pitch.
On Monday Valencia played a 30 minute a half game for the youth team.

I'm quite worried however about United's midfield to play against Arsenal. It doesn't sound like Valencia will start, and Nani and Park are out, laving only Giggs as the natural winger. He wouldn't threaten the opposition with his speed, while Fletcher who could play on the right isn't the most adventurous of attackers anyway. Rooney may play on the wing, and Hernandez and/or Berbatov starting up top.

Surely United can't lose three in a row? Arsenal's Jack Wilshere hopes so - even off the back of the beating they got from Barcelona:

"We know Manchester United are a great team, but they have a European game next week, so they might play a weakened side, then we can go there and take advantage of that."

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson broke his media silence with this:

"Last season they (Arsenal) faded around the February to March period to leave Chelsea and ourselves in a two-horse race that saw us pipped at the post by a point.

"I think most pundits expected to see something similar this season, plus a challenge from Spurs and Manchester City to make it even more difficult for Arsenal to get back up to the top.

"But Arsene Wenger and his players have rearranged the pecking order somewhat to come storming through to lie in second place.

"Clearly they represent the main danger to us achieving our ambitions in a revival of the rivalry of a few years ago, and I am sure they regard us as the major threat to their hopes."

He had no excuses for the abysmal display at Liverpool in which United lost 3 - 1. Manchester United will be hoping for the good of their season and their teams morale, that the depressingly bad performance at Liverpool is not repeated against Arsenal this weekend.

Nani Injury: Not How big the Cut is, its Where it was

Luis Nani's leg has been the most debated subject in football this weekend. Why wasn't it a red card? Is his injury that bad? Why did he get up and complain? Are the pictures photo shopped? Should Nani have been booked for diving?

Well, I'm sure someone has said the last one, but the fact is, a lot of people are missing the point. I have seen so many comments saying how Nani was pathetic to cry while others would have got up and carried on playing. This is a comment on one website showing the image of Nani's leg:

"I’ve fractured my leg before


I’ve dislocated my shoulder before


I’ve dislocated my elbow and broke my arm before


I’ve not cried in all of them"

I mean - come on. Who cares? This isn't about crying or not crying, this is about the scandalous decision not to send Jamie Carragher off for a blatant assault on Nani. It was a disgrace of a tackle, so sickening, so dangerous that no matter which way you look at it, tears or no tears, a red should have been shown. The fact that Carragher received only a yellow for the tackle, while Edwin van der sar received the same punishment for simply expressing his understandable exasperation at the decision is a joke.

I cannot understand how people can attempt to excuse it, or even play down the injury which some claim to be photo shopped. Again, it does not matter how deep the wound is, it is the height of the tackle which is the despairing part of it. There is no argument for Carragher to stay on the pitch.

Forget about photo shop, forget the excuses, look at the tackle, not the result of it.

Meanwhile, Nani thanked his fans on Twitter for their support:

"Massive boost" For Arsenal in Build up to Barca

For every strength someone has, there is always a fault - a weakness. In football, there are many faults in players, and putting aside those misplaced passes, wild, ambitious shots, dangerous, lunging tackles, off the field troubles and terrible temperament that some have, a shared feature for any sportsman is the injury.

Robin van Persie is no stranger to the irritating pests that are injuries. The 27 year-old has only played 15 Premier League games this season because of them, and although not allowing them to destroy his contribution to the team (10 goals, 5 assists), injuries are still an ever present feature to his game.

In the process of scoring another wonderful goal against Birmingham in the Carling Cup final which, as you all know Arsenal were unsuccessful in winning, the Dutch striker injured himself whilst adjusting his knee to bend around the defender to make contact with the ball. There were major doubts as to whether he will be fit for the scond leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie against Barcelona. Wenger said:

"Fabregas will have a final test (on Monday). It is 90% he will travel and be fit. It is vital for us because he is important in the transition between attacking and defending. He is also the leader of the team so we want him there."

Arsenal's former left back Nigel Winterburn summed the situation up nicely:

“A van Persie playing at the Camp Nou is going to be massive for Arsenal and it will give the other players a massive lift as well,”

“It’s a massive boost because it was looking like Robin van Persie was completely out for three or four weeks, so not only for the Champions League but for the Premier League as well.

“If he is fit and can play then, with the goalscoring form that he’s been in, it just gives Arsenal another added dimension that they lack a little bit when he doesn’t play.”

Of course, the situation must be considered as to what would happen if Wenger were to start van Persie only for him to suffer another injury - which seems unfortunately likely. Winterburn added:

"If he’s not 100 per cent fit I don’t see how they can risk him because they’ve also got the FA Cup and a fantastic chance now in the Premier League as well,”

“I’ve got to think that maybe the injury is not as serious as first thought and he’s healed a lot quicker. I just don’t see how they can take that chance.


"I possibly could see him being on the bench if he was sort of 75 per cent fit but not starting because there are two other big prizes to go for if they come up short in the Champions League."

Van Persie's fantastic ability to achieve the improbable was layed on a plae for all to see at the Emirates a cuple of weeks ago when he smashed the ball past a helpless Victor Valdes in the Barcelona oal from the tightest of angles. If Arsenal are to succeed at the Nou Camp, they are going to ned all te improbabiliy and skill they can get. Van Persie therefore, is vital.

Picture: Nani Injury After Disgusting Carragher Tackle

Not for the faint hearted.

This is what had Luis Nani in tears and stretchered off during the Liverpool game.

Jamie Carragher recieved a yellow card for this.

Watch Match Highlights

Match Report Here

Nani's Response to Incident on Twitter

Read what Nani had to say on Twitter after incident

Chicharito will Thrive on Valencia's Delivery

Manchester United may have coped well in his absence, but Antonio Valencia has been sorely missed at Old Trafford. His blistering pace on the right wing that has fans off their seats in anticipation - hoping, and often witnessing a dangerous delivery into a good area for the strikers to pounce on has sadly been absent since the wingers very unfortunate injury.

One loss in the Premier League all season isn't bad going for United, but boy would they welcome back their Ecuadorian winger who adds a fiery spark and invaluable energy into the United attack providing chance after chance for the strikers.

It is the kind of delivery that United's relative new boy Chicharito will thrive on.

Since Valencia's injury in September, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has proven himself as a deadly finisher, taking the nickname the "baby faced assassin" from United fans. His movement, his awareness of his surroundings, his pace, his vision, his unnerving ability to finish a move off with a delightful finish, have threatened to uproot a strike partnership worth a combined total of around £50 million in Rooney and Berbatov.

So just think of what the Mexican boy will do when he finds ball after ball flying into his territory - the oppositions box. I predict a fantastic partnership between him and Valencia in the future when the winger is fully recovered and back on form. It will be an exciting, and rather frightening prospect, especially for defenders.

Valencia showed it last season - his delivery and intelligent balls into the area helped Rooney to his highest ever scoring total. He provided the assists that Rooney has missed this season - as the English striker has gathered his lowest ever total of goals with seven (granted, the season isn't over).

With Rooney gradually building confidence, starting with his spectacular overhead kick a few weeks ago against City, Berbatov having his best United season by far, and with the little pea having an astonishing first year at Old Trafford, there will be healthy competition for the front spots. When Nani and Valencia occupy the wings, the strikers will have no excuses for a lack of goals, with the deliveries coming at them every two minutes, and hopefully the goals will come in, helping United to more trophies.

Exciting times, no matter what some say.

Fabregas & Walcott Out - And Arsenal want Bojan Krkic

Despite the injuries, there is good news. Arsenal apparently want Bojan Krkic of Barcelona [Full Story].

That seems unlikely; especially as Barcelona have only recently called Arsenal "immoral" in their capture of a Barca academy player. I wouldn't think Barcelona would be too keen on dealing with Arsenal after that.

Anyway...
Fabregas and Walcott will miss the Carling Cup final through injury, and Walcott is likely to miss the Barcelona clash on the 8th March. This must be unbelievably frustrating for Fabregas especially, seeing as his main aim as captain was to lift a trophy, and now Arenal's best chance of doing so has come about he is going to be nothing more than a Wembley spectator.

Wenger said of Walcott who suffered an ankle injury against Stoke:

"Walcott will be out for two to three weeks with an ankle problem.

"I would say today it is very unlikely he will be fit for the second leg of the Barcelona game.

"I imagine the worst so maybe I will be surprised in a positive way but I just give you my gut feeling at the moment."

And of Fabregas:

"You cannot play football when you're injured. He's sad and disappointed but it could have been worse the injury - it's a very small one. We have many targets in front of us so it is important he is not out for longer."

Asked how long he would be absent, Wenger replied:

"One or two games maybe."

I think it isn't so bad that Fabregas will miss the next few games. The injury isn't at all serious, so he will just be rolled up in cotton wool and rested until the Barcelona game. It may work out well. No disrespect to Birmingham, but even without Fabregas and Walcott, Arsenal are comfortably the better side and should win comfortably.

The Walcott injury on the other hand isn't so good. His pace will be missed against Barcelona, but Arsenal should cope - although Wenger hasn't completely ruled him out of it, and still hold the hope that he will be pleasantly surprised.

Wenger: Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny Out Injured

Arsene Wenger confirmed that Robin Van Persie, Abou Diaby and Laurent Koscielny will all be out of Arsenal's next game against Stoke City with injuries, although Diaby wold have missed the game with suspension anyway. Arsenal host Stoke on Wednesday, but Wenger is positive that the trio will all be fit for Sunday's Carling Cup final clash against Birmingham where Arsenal have the chance to win some overdue silverware.

Wenger said:

"We don't have Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny available."

"Everybody else is fit. Diaby is suspended. Van Persie has a hamstring problem and Koscielny a back problem."

"Both are short term and they have a chance for the game on Sunday"

Johan Djourou has been in very good form this season, making up for the absence of Thomas Vermaelen alongside Koscielny in the centre of defence, and Wenger will welcome the Swiss back into the side after missing the F.A Cup draw against Leyton Orient.
The Arsenal manager said:

"Johan Djourou is better and will play."

The replay with Leyton Orient in the Cup isn't going to help, as although Arsenal are favourites to win, it is another long 90 minutes and risks injuries or fatigue that they will not want in the lead up the back end of the season, as well as a second leg with Barcelona at the Nou Camp awaiting them.

Will Hargreaves Follow Neville & van der sar Into Retirement?

Poor Owen Hargreaves. The Manchester United midfielder has constantly been plagued with terrible injuries to his knees, suffering from an extremely serious case of patellar tendinitis which was described by his surgeon, who has 35 years experience in his field as the worst case he had ever seen.

It takes an incredibly strong minded individual to keep going despite being bombarded with injuries which must frustrate the undoubtedly talented individual beyond belief. It would be fair to call the Canadian born England midfielder "injury prone", or perhaps just "unbelievably unlucky". The question is, how can he continue at the top level with all of these injuries - the latest one a torn hamstring, of which I gather, he is slowly recovering from.

Manchester United have already seen Gary Neville walk out of Old Trafford after an outstandingly successful long career wearing red, while Edwin van der sar has announced his retirement at the grand age of 40. Nobody likes to see a professional have to step down, whether it be because of their advancing age, or incessant injuries. But sometimes it is necessary.

Hargreaves joined United in 2007, hoping to help the Red Devils to unrivalled success with him playing a big part. The former became true, as it has consistently done over the years, and the latter was true for the first year. In United's 2007/08 season, Hargreaves clocked up a good 34 appearances in all competitions, playing his part in United's Premier League and Champions League success that year. However, a couple of seasons down the line, and the players' tally of appearances has only increased by 5 - and not many of them were where he played the full 90 minutes.

Hargreaves is now 30 years old, and the Manchester United team is starting to bring in younger players into the setup. His contract expires in the summer, so Hargreaves is currently in a race against time to prove to his manager that he deserves a contract renewal. But if there is one thing that Hargreaves knows from experience which shouldn't be rushed, it is injuries. It is sad to say, but it looks as if he is fighting a losing battle. When will we see him back for United at 100% fitness and battling away like the engine he is at the heart of the United midfield? I'm not so sure we will.

On Monday, Hargreaves was included in the club's 25-man Premier League squad, but he has not made the cut for the Champions League. It would be great to see him return, but whenever I see him on the pitch, I am constantly weary of his fragility, and frightened that in a flicker, he could be hobbling off of the pitch, down the tunnel and into that all too familiar treatment room. Despite his inclusion in the Premier League squad for the second half of the season, it seems unlikely that he will play a big part.

Hargreaves has had a successful career as a footballer. Seven years at Bayern Munich saw him win four German Bundesliga titles and the 2000/01 Champions League. His short happy period at United also saw him win a Premier League and yet another European trophy, but age and injury have taken its toll on poor Hargreaves, and he may be only one more injury away from hanging up his boots and giving up football for the sake of his body.

Wenger: Nasri Will Miss Barcelona Game

Arsenal's fears were confirmed yesterday, as Arsene Wenger revealed that their talismanic midfielder this season, Samir Nasri will miss the all important fixture against Barcelona in the Champions League - a match that can border on impossible to win at the best of times. With a front line that strikes fear into even the strongest defence in the land, and a defence that can drive out some of the most potent attackers around, when you play Barcelona with the objective of winning, you need a strong team.

Arsenal's game against Barcelona is on the 16th of February, and with that date only being just under two weeks away, the hamstring injury that the Frenchman has suffered will most certainly keep him out of it - barring a miraculous recovery. Wenger said:

"For Nasri, the scan shows a hamstring strain. [He will be out for] 21 days."

Wenger's plan to play Nasri in the F.A Cup clash with Huddersfield has backfired - something which he admits, but it is now not the only injury problem that Wenger must solve. There are also concerns over the fitness of another midfielder, Alex Song. The Arsenal manager said:

"Song cannot walk. I don't know what he has got. He was kicked, I think it was by [Laurent] Koscielny; he knocks out everybody in our team. So we have to see how he responds to that in the next days, but he cannot walk at the moment."

Apart from knocking "out everybody in the team", Koscielny has been talking about winning the title, and has pointed out, probably quite rightly, that Arsenal are the only challengers with Manchester United for the Premier League title. Continuing to comment on the blatantly obvious, Koscielny said:

"We have got more points than Manchester City, Chelsea and the others"

He continued:

"Anything can happen in this league. That's why we must keep working hard together. We will keep fighting. It's important we keep our defence strong.

"If we don't concede, we will always make chances to score ourselves. It's going to be a big battle between us and Manchester United and hopefully they will drop points, not us.

"It's not going to be easy. But we have faith in ourselves and in the squad. We do believe we can do it so bring it on."

Arsenal's next game is against a side only recently freed of their talisman, Andy Carroll. Newcastle have £35 million in the bank, but can do nothing with it at the present time, and last night saw yet another striker leave their team. Shola Ameobi walked off in agony with an apparent broke cheekbone, or something painful, and he will either miss the game, or wear a protective mask. Arsenal are not the only team with problems it seems.

Nasri Could Miss Barca Game but Wenger Won't Buy

Samir Nasri has been Arsenal's best player this season, so Wenger must have been feeling his compatriots pain when the 23 year-old midfielder pulled up with a hamstring injury against Huddersfield in the F.A Cup. After chasing a long ball from the returning Almunia, Nasri pulled up, and every Arsenal fans' breath was held, hoping that it would be nothing serious, and Nasri would be back to terrorise the opposition defence in a couple of short minutes. But it won't be minutes that Arsenal will have to wait for Nasri's return, it will be weeks.

Wenger had risked Nasri for the game, and now admits his regret at doing so, as it looks as if the injury could rule Nasri out for the next thee weeks - that is including Arsenal's massive clash with Spanish giants Barcelona. But will Wenger buy a replacement for Nasri in the remaining day of the transfer window? Take a guess.

The Arsenal manager was reluctant to predict when Nasri would return, but had a go nevertheless:

"Nasri looks to have a serious hamstring injury. Usually it is three weeks. We have to see if it is a grade 1, it will be two weeks, so we will see. It is very difficult to predict.

"I have now regrets because the plan was to play Rosicky, but he was still too weak because he was sick, so I took the gamble on Nasri. It backfired, but he could have come on and that happened as well.

“We are at the stage of the season where we play so many games that to lose bodies is very difficult for us. But Samir is a big blow."

Arsenal play Barcelona on the 16th February, which means that if Nasri recovers in two weeks, he could play some part at least in the Champions League match. However, if it is three weeks out that Nasri must suffer, he will certainly miss Arsenal's biggest test of the season. It is so unlucky for Arsenal that the player who has been in such fantastically blistering form this season is the one who could miss the match that he could make such a difference in, and showcase his skills against the likes of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and so on.

A familiar quote that passes Wengers lips nowadays is:

"No, we will not sign anyone."  

He has said it again.
Instead of splashing the cash on a player like Eden Hazard who has expressed his desire to play for Arsenal, Wenger will recall Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Henri Lansbury, who are currently on loan spells. This could irritate those Arsenal fans becoming more and more frustrated by the lack of movement in the transfer window, especially considering the big games coming up as Arsenal challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League in the next few games or so.


The calmer Arsenal fans with more faith in Wenger will once again respect his decision not to sign anyone in the January transfer window, and happily see the younger players step up and help to take on the big teams. Wenger has never been one for a knee-jerk reaction, but we will have to wait and see if his patience and relaxed attitude towards transfers pays off against such a good side in Barcelona without their top player in Nasri.

Vermaelen Back for Arsenal in "four to six weeks"

After an injury suffered on international duty, Thomas Vermaelen was expected to return within just a week. That was however, an optimistic expectation. Over four months later, and the latest prediction on when he will be fit to play once again is, according to his manager Arsene Wenger, "four to six weeks".

Wenger said that the new course of action in Arsenal's fight for Vermaelens fitness will see him return very soon,

"It’s not a real surgery. It is to take out a little ligament next to his tendon. It is to open it a little bit and cut out the ligament that has been causing the friction. It is a procedure, that is the right medical term.

“We are very optimistic that [this will cure the problem]. But of course it is now what you call in football a little bit longer delay of four to six weeks.”

The Arsenal manager said that the Belgian may even be able to play in Arsenal's first leg Champions League tie against Barcelona on February 16th:

“Let’s count the weeks to Barcelona and you will know. I count a minimum of four weeks, maximum six, so it is not an unrealistic target.

He does however acknowledge that the 25 year-old cannot be put straight into first team action - especially against a team like Barcelona with players who have enough attacking capabilities to frighten any top class defence. Vermaelen will realistically need some less competitive playing time for Arsenal before he can consider taking on the likes of Lonel Messi:

"But don’t forget as well he is a little bit in the situation of Aaron Ramsey, he has not played since the beginning of September, that means he will need some games to be completely fit.”

Wenger has said that if Vermaelen wasn't back for Arsenal by the end of January, then he will be looking at possible signings to fill in for him. The Gunners have been linked to Chris Samba of Blackburn, who says he wants to leave his club, and Gary Cahill, who would cost £20 million - but with that price tag gone is any possibility of Wenger signing him. Samba would be the most likely choice at around £8 million, but with no value in the market today as Wenger and Ferguson always say, perhaps the Frenchman will just stick with what he has?

Vermaelen is Coming Back for Arsenal - Samba is Still Available

Thomas Vermaelen is expected to be back from his achilles injury before the end of January after completing a full day of training without any problems. 

After suffering an injury to his achilles on international duty in August, the Belgian, who was impressively solid at the back in his first season at the Emirates has missed the majority of his sides games, provoking Arsene Wenger to contemplate dipping into his pockets, and bringing a new defender to Arsenal as a replacement for the 25 year-old Vermaelen.

Wenger had admitted however, that he will see how Vermaelen is towards the end of January, and then make a decision as to whether to use the transfer market to add to his defence. The manager was also adamant that no new signings will be made in January in any other position:

"In the offensive department, [a new signing] is completely excluded. In midfield, completely excluded,"

"With the goalkeepers, I stand as firm as ever.

"At the back, it just depends on Vermaelen. I am just waiting to know more about him, and then at the end of January we will have to make a decision."

Wenger has been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers captain Christopher Samba after the no-nonsense powerhouse announced his displeasure towards the attitude of the new owners as well as the odd sacking of Sam Allardyce, and claimed he wants no part in the future of the club.

Different figures are being bounced around for his price, but the player would certainly be affordable, at around £8 - 10 million. He would add better solidity in the Arsenal back line, and contrast with the inconsistencies of Wenger's summer signings, Squillaci and Koscielny as well as adding to the squads strength in depth.

The Gunners defence was hardly troubled against Manchester City as Arsenal did all the attacking, and City did all of the defending, but to challenge for the title, Arsenal need a top class defence, a consistent defence and a defence that can cope with the best attacks. Wenger said:

"The first signs of how he feels will be very important. Should he not be able to come back quickly, central defence is an area in which we would be short, but rather than talk about transfers I would like to focus on the squad we have, and ensure everyone makes his contribution to the team's success."

Will Fabregas Recover in time for United Clash?

Monday night, Manchester United will be risking their, and the only unbeaten record in the Premier League in their biggest test of the season - Arsenal. Arsenal on the other hand may be risking the fitness of influential midfield captain - Cesc Fabregas.

Will United remain unbeaten? Will Fabregas be fit enough to play? Will the game live up to all the build up? We will have to wait and see, but in reference to Fabregas hamstring injury, Arsene Wenger has assured fans that he will have the final say on things.

"It will be a very late decision to see if Cesc is in the squad or not.

“We have to assess if it is a risk for him to play and if he is ready to play in a very intense game, then I will make a decision.

"The final decision will be mine. I have the responsibility to make the decision."

Football is a game of risks, and at the top of the game it is a game of big risks. If Fabregas starts, and after a few minutes pulls up with the same problem that has kept him out, then Wenger may well be left red faced knowing that he had taken a big gamble - and lost. On the other hand, if Fabregas starts, and is influential as he usually is, makes it through most of the game comfortably and helps secure a win for Arsenal, Wenger will be praised for his excellent decision making. It is a decision that could decide the game even before it has started.

Manchester United on the other hand have passed their key players fit for the game. Scholes, Ferdinand and Evra will play after being out for a few games with their own problems.

Old Trafford will be buzzing on the night. These games always bring up unexpected surprises. Things that you "couldn't have written the script for", as the commentators always like to scream. It will be a tight, last minute decision, and I cannot wait for the game.

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