Team news v Birmingham - Not good

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
17 Oct	3:00 PM	P	Birmingham City (H)	3	1	Win

Thank goodness real football is back, and Arsenal take on Birmingham City today after the rather boring international break. The number of players unavailable for selection however, makes for rather grim reading.

The following have been ruled out due to various circumstances - Nicklas Bendtner, Gaël Clichy, Carlos Vela and Eduardo.

It is unlikely that Vela would have played anyway, but the others would have been in the squad. The Mexican did not return to London Colney in time after international duty.

In addition to the above, you have long-term absentees Samir Nasri, Denilson and Johan Djourou still unavailable for selection.

However, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has recovered from his chest infection and is rated at 50:50 to be in the team. This means that Vito Mannone (who has impressed) will be replaced in goal.

Manager Arsène Wenger explained: "Some players are not even back yet [from international duty].

"Vela has not landed, so he will not be involved. We lost Nicklas Bendtner today in training from a recurrence of his groin. Eduardo is not back yet, because he still has a [thigh] injury.

"Fabianski is not completely back. We hope he will be very soon, because he has trained normally. Gaël Clichy has a small [ankle] injury, and I leave him out completely tomorrow, but Abou Diaby should be okay.

"We have a few knocks and bruises which we discovered in training when the players come back. But Almunia is back in the squad and available. Francesc Fabregas had a few personal issues but they are going better now. He is available for tomorrow. Arshavin is back and available as well."

Francesc Fabregas has been going through a difficult time due to serious family issues. The captain's grandfather passed away during the week and Arsenal Mania would like to express our heartfelt condolences to him and his family.

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