Clichy, Smith return for Old Trafford Quarter-Final
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger has named his usual youthful squad for the Carling Cup Quarter-Final at Old Trafford.
In an exclusive video interview with Arsenal PLUS on Tuesday afternoon, the manager spoke about the 16 players he will take to Manchester United tomorrow.
He said: “I feel there are many players in there who are close to Premier League level. They have earned their chance and it would be unfair not to give them the opportunity to show how good they are.”
Gael Clichy is back after an ankle injury and Frankie Simek has also returned from his loan spell at QPR. There was also a surprise when Ryan Smith was named. The 17-year-old winger hobbled off with a knee injury during the victory against Everton in the last round.
“It was a big relief to see that Ryan would not be out,” said the manager. “But he is a little short of fitness because he only returned to full training yesterday."
Pascal Cygan is not available and the big centre back is likely to be sidelined for the game against Birmingham as well.
“Pascal has a back problem he got when we travelled to Eindhoven,” said Wenger. “He will be back soon but he will not be available for tomorrow and Saturday.”
The full squad is named below.
The full squad is named below.
Arsenal squad:
Manuel Almunia
Chris Wright
Robin van Persie
Mathieu Flamini
Philippe Senderos
Jermaine Pennant
Gael Clichy
Justin Hoyte
Patrick Cregg
Johan Djourou
Sebastian Larsson
Arturo Lupoli
Quincy
Frankie Simek
Danny Karbassiyoon
Ryan Smith
[此贴子已经被作者于2004-12-1 9:39:07编辑过]
