[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ9wNT21c_s"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ9wNT21c_s[/ame] http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/santos-to-undergo-surgery-on-right-ankle
We had no other options. I mentioned it in the match thread. Angha was supposed to take Santos' spot in the squad but he was ineligible by UEFA's age/time at the club requirements by 2 months and Miquel was carrying an injury. We had no other options.
What is the word on TV5? He was supposedly having blurred vision at the end of Everton game leading to his withdrawal. We need him against City and prefer him by a country mile to Miquel.
It's not like there were no options at all -- if Angha couldn't go, what about Gavin Hoyte? I know it's all hindsight, it's just frustrating to lose an important player -- out last fullback -- in a meaningless game.
Gavin Hoyte is a centerback/rightback and is fackin shit There was no one else to play. It's frustrating as hell though, but shit happens. We have been very unfortunate to lose all of our fullbacks for semi long term injuries. I think Gibbs could be back next week but I doubt he plays. Im not worried defensively but our attack clearly suffered on Saturday with Vermaelen out wide.
On top of it, Gavin Hoyte was not registered as part of the CL squad ( like Angha). Actually, Miquel could cover as well on the left. He has been pretty solid when playing there. I would rather have Verm in the middle and Kos at right back. Djourou scares the hell out of me every time he plays.
Agree on Djourou, he just always looks so shaky on the ball. I think Arsene has to spend on some type of utility defender in January. Until then I'm fine with playing Miquel more, he seems to have a certain amount of charisma and confidence on the pitch. We defintely need to return of Sagna to give us more clout down the wing. Verm out wide really stunts buildup attack.
miguel looks quite solid, but i worry that he doesn't have a lot of pace. fingers crossed the other parts of his game make up for that.