I know it's a bit early for a proper preview, but as I'm not sure I'll be be able to post anything tomorrow, this will have to do.
Word is out, Flamini`s groin injury got bad, and the Frenchman is looking at two weeks on the sidelines. This means, he'll miss Liverpool, Borussia and maybe even United. Given how we looked without him in the last two games, I can't help but think we'll be somewhat exposed defensively. Let's hope, the injury isn't so serious after all. We have enough players out and the last thing we want is to find ourselves without Mathieu for any period of time. He has at least a cup game to recover, so fingers crossed he makes it in time for the clash against the Mugmashers.
He seems to be the only one out as a result of our last game (him and Arteta, obviously), but I don't think the manager would use either of them even had they been fully fit. Despite facing a side as strong as Chelsea, we will probably give run-outs for those, who need them. This means starts for Vermaelen, Monreal, Bendtner and others.
And I don't think, there's anything wrong with it. Carling Cup doesn't top our priorities list, and it never did. We give our youngsters a chance to develop, while giving our senior players a chance to properly prepare for their next game.
Even Mourinho said he will rotate, back when the draw pinned two teams against one another. The level of indifference demonstrated by both managers is understandable, given how many important games their sides will have to play in the upcoming weeks.
I always thought it strange, that English teams have two domestic cups instead of one. The best teams are the ones who suffer most, so it's little wonder they reached an unspoken consensus of considering one of these cups expendable. That's just rational.
So I don't expect a thrilling contest tomorrow. I will, of course, watch it, but I'm not particularly happy about it.
In other news, Gnabry had just signed a brand new contract and, given how he played in recent weeks, I'm happy he did. His talent is obvious, he's becoming a real option from the bench already, so he should develop into a great player. With time, but the signs are there. A clinical finish against Swansea, some clever movement in the box in Saturday, and his overall work rate all bode well for the future.
That's it for today. Back later with a review. Until then