Arsenal injury crisis starts early

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
27 Jul	7:45 PM	F	Sc Neusiedl 1919 (A)	4	0	Win

Just three games into pre-season and Arsenal are already looking depleted.

Johan Djourou was subbed off in the first half of the Gunners' 4-0 friendly win over SC Neusiedl 1919 and Tomas Rosicky was withdrawn from the starting lineup in the last minute.

Arsène Wenger reported that the injuries are nothing major and that both players could be back for the next game.

The boss did reveal, however, that Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie could miss the start of the season, leaving Arsenal with just Carlos Vela and Marouane Chamakh as their striking options.

With van Persie likely to go on to miss at least half the season at some point anyway, I sincerely hope another striker will be considered as a transfer target, as well as a much-needed goalkeeper and defender.

On the injuries, Wenger said: "Djourou has a small hamstring problem but it is not bad. He should be available for the weekend.

"Rosicky had a small, small alert. He was supposed to play in the first half but he could have played. I didn't want to take the gamble, it is only a little problem on his groin and I decided to replace him.

"Bendtner will not be available for the start of the season. We don't know how bad it is.

"Fabregas and van Persie are due to come back on August 5 and from then on we will see how much build-up work is needed physically and as well how they have recovered mentally from the World Cup."

"They might be short for the first game [of the season] but I don't know, that will depend on the fitness work they have done during the holiday."

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