Gallas close to fitness

By 1970's Gooner

The news coming out of the French camp just before the game against Scotland is that Gallas is getting close to being fit again. However France coach Raymod Domenech has said that he will have the final word on whether he takes part in the game.

Gallas has been injured since the 19th of August during the away game at Blackburn with a groin injury.

The original diagnosis was for a possible return to action in late September, early October.

He has not participated in the training sessions with France but had very light training with some floor exercises.

He was out of the game against Italy at the San Siro in Milan and it looks like he will be out of the game against Scotland as Domenech thinks it is too early for him to take part in such a highly competitive game.

"He will say if he is fit. Then I will decide if he is fit," Domenech said.

However if Galas is indeed getting near to fitness will another few days of rest and physiotherapy take care of his groin strain? This is getting too close to call as the derby game with Spurs is only a few days away next Saturday.

Wenger will have a big decision in front of him. There is the risk of playing an unfit Gallas (he has not played or touched a ball for four weeks) with the prospect of the injury recurring. He could of course ask Gilberto Silva to fight his jet lag and travel fatigue to fill in central defence once again.

Gilberto has been called up by Dunga, the Brazil coach, for two international friendlies against the USA which Brazil won 4-2 and against Mexico tonight.

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

Senderos will be absent due to suspension and the other central defender, Djourou, has been sent out on loan to Birmingham.