Fabregas set to return to lift Arsenal's title push

John Nisbet
Friday 19 March 2010 01:00 GMT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Cesc Fabregas is poised to return from injury as Arsenal entertain West Ham United tomorrow, but William Gallas' fitness is an ongoing concern for his manager, Arsène Wenger.

Gunners captain Fabregas has been out since 6 March – missing the matches with Porto in the Champions League and Hull City in the Premier League – because of a hamstring injury but is expected to pass a fitness test this morning and return for Arsenal as they continue their efforts to challenge Manchester United and Chelsea in the title race.

Tomas Rosicky is also anticipated to be fit following a groin problem, but the central defender Gallas has "an endless calf injury", according to Wenger.

Gallas has missed the last six games and is set to be out for at least two more matches – missing the Hammers contest and the match at Birmingham City next Saturday.

"Cesc and Tomas have a final test tomorrow morning," Wenger told Arsenal TV yesterday. "They should be available for Saturday. From the last game [against Hull] we don't lose anybody. So normally we should have Fabregas, [striker] Carlos Vela and Rosicky back. Plus, of course, we have Alexander Song coming back from suspension.

"However, William Gallas will not be available this week or at Birmingham. It is going on and on. It is a concern. It is an endless calf strain and so we need Sol Campbell and Mikaël Silvestre to be highly ready to help us out."

Song will be back from a two-match suspension against the Hammers and Vela could be added to the squad as Arsenal seek to enhance their title drive after their late 2-1 win at Hull last weekend.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in