By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger has no new injuries to report ahead of the
season-opener against Fulham on Sunday.
Last week, the manager ruled out Gilberto from the start of the
campaign because he is still recovering from the effects of the
Copa America and suggested Emmanuel Adebayor was extremely doubtful
with a groin problem.
When he spoke to Arsenal TV Online on Thursday lunchtime, those
were still the only likely absences for the Emirates Stadium clash.
"Gilberto is not ready and at the moment the only one who is
doubtful is Adebayor," said Wenger.
The manager described the Togolese striker's recovery time as
"very short". But the Brazilian may not be ready until
September.
"We have a three-week plan to build him up again," said
Wenger. "He did not play the last game of the Copa America and
had three and a half weeks off. It will take two or three weeks to
get him ready. If you don't do that he will suffer during rest
of the season."
Arsenal TV Online subscribers will be able to see the full
interview with Arsène on Friday morning. In it, he talks about
the new season, challenging for the title, his business over the
summer, the transfer market in general, the hope of more signings,
the captaincy, injuries and Fulham
