Bad news: Gallas is out, Gilberto is in

By 1970's Gooner

The news coming out of the French camp is that Gallas did not participate in the training session yesterday but had very light training with some floor exercises.

He is out of the game against Italy at the San Siro in Milan tonight.

He is not even on the bench which means that he is not yet getting anywhere near a come back.

His chances of making the North London derby which is a week away now appear slim.

Gallas has been injured since the 19th of August during the away game at Blackburn. The original diagnosis was for a possible return to action in late September, early October

The other bad news concerns a player who is fit and selected to play for his national side.

As first reported by “Arsenal Analysis” Gilberto has been called up by Dunga, the Brazil coach, for two international friendlies.

"Surprisingly" his call up was omitted from the list of players on international duty mentioned on Arsenal’s web site.

The first is to be played this coming Sunday 9th September in Chigaco against the USA and the Wednesday after that on the 12th September in Boston against Mexico.

He has already traveled to Chigaco to join up with his compatriots.

Gilberto will probably be traveling back to the UK after the Wednesday game.

But of course taking into account time differences and distances being what they are he will not be back to base until Friday afternoon. The Spurs kick off will be the next day at 1.30 pm.

This is because Wednesday in Boston is really early hours of Thursday morning in London.

Add to this the time taken to drive to the airport, flying time to London and driving time to get home at St Albans and Gilberto will probably not snuggle into his bed until Friday afternoon.

Wenger has in the past followed a policy of resting players after such long journeys due to jet lag and fatigue.

If he does he will be really short of central defenders as Gallas'chances of making it for the derby look slim and Senderos will be absent due to suspension. Djourou has been sent out on loan to Birmingham.