Hello everyone.
So, tomorrow we face Fenerbahce in the first leg of the qualifier. The first game will take place in Turkey and that gives us a tiny edge. It's not for obvious reasons only, it also gives us some breathing space, should something go wrong, and we'll have to grind out an acceptable result. Then, we'll bring in a few players like mad, play them against Fulham, allowing others to rest and recuperate and try turning up with a better game plan for the second leg. Unlikely scenario, but we have to bring in players in the next twelve days, and the earlier we do this, the more chances we have to actually sign someone.
Regarding team news, there seems to be only one serious blow we've suffered three days ago. Oxlade-Chamberlain has badly injured his knee in a collision against Luna, tearing his ligaments. He is out for a minimum of four months. Now, that's a real blow. He seemed to have a very important role to play in this squad. Wenger even chose the Ox over a fully fit and able Podolski in the first game, so it's obvious, the boss was counting on him. He's been easing Oxlade into action for two seasons now, allowing him playing time, whenever possible. The Ox was even ahead of Gervinho in the pecking order. I know, Gervinho was never very good, but he did seem to find some consistency last season and, everything aside, he was at least a hardened pro (don't laugh). And now Oxlade is knackered for four months, maybe more. Really sad. The quickest of recoveries to him.
So, tomorrow we face Fenerbahce in the first leg of the qualifier. The first game will take place in Turkey and that gives us a tiny edge. It's not for obvious reasons only, it also gives us some breathing space, should something go wrong, and we'll have to grind out an acceptable result. Then, we'll bring in a few players like mad, play them against Fulham, allowing others to rest and recuperate and try turning up with a better game plan for the second leg. Unlikely scenario, but we have to bring in players in the next twelve days, and the earlier we do this, the more chances we have to actually sign someone.
Regarding team news, there seems to be only one serious blow we've suffered three days ago. Oxlade-Chamberlain has badly injured his knee in a collision against Luna, tearing his ligaments. He is out for a minimum of four months. Now, that's a real blow. He seemed to have a very important role to play in this squad. Wenger even chose the Ox over a fully fit and able Podolski in the first game, so it's obvious, the boss was counting on him. He's been easing Oxlade into action for two seasons now, allowing him playing time, whenever possible. The Ox was even ahead of Gervinho in the pecking order. I know, Gervinho was never very good, but he did seem to find some consistency last season and, everything aside, he was at least a hardened pro (don't laugh). And now Oxlade is knackered for four months, maybe more. Really sad. The quickest of recoveries to him.