Arsenal
Eduardo says he is ready to step into the void created by Robin van Persie's injury. The Gunners have been firing on all cylinders this term, with 17 different players on target in all competitions. Leading the way has been Persie, who has been at his free-scoring best since being reverted to a central striking role. He has led the line in style, notching seven goals in 11 Barclay Premier League outings, as the Gunners have made steady progress. The news that he is now facing up to six weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury sustained while away on international duty has understandably come as a major blow to Arsene Wenger's troops. Arsenal do, however, boast plenty of attacking options, with Croatia international Eduardo expected to be offered the opportunity to fill Van Persie's boots. "The boss knows our qualities and how they can fit into a formation," Eduardo said. "For me it is fine to play on the left or the right, no problem, the most important thing is to help the team and I feel good in those positions. It is a formation that gives us more movement and more creativity through the middle, although it is not easy because we have to balance defence and attack and that can be difficult."
Chelsea
Chelsea Captain John Terry expects Chelsea to make the most of the January transfer window. The Blues have had a transfer ban suspended pending appeal so will be free to bring players in when the window opens again. And Terry expects manager Carlo Ancelotti and owner Roman Abramovich to discuss some moves. "It's good news about the transfer ban being suspended but we lose four good players to the African Nations Cup in January anyway," he said. "I'm sure the club and the manager are looking into that and having good talks with Roman. I wouldn't be surprised if we do go out and buy because we don't know what's going to happen in the summer - or the following summer."
Liverpool
Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard is confident of facing Manchester City on Saturday following a nagging groin injury. Gerrard has used the international break to step up his rehabilitation from the problem and believes he is over the worst. The England midfielder could start against City after coming off the bench in the draw with Birmingham. "I'm feeling a lot better now. I'm looking forward to the weekend. There's no mental hurdle to cross," said Gerrard. "I felt very tired after the (Birmingham) game as I wasn't really ready to return. I'd done very little training in the three weeks beforehand. It took me two or three days to recover from that game but I have spent the past week doing strengthening work. I've had a problem in my groin that has taken a while to get over but I'm just relieved the second injection seems to have done the trick. It's a case of so far so good and the aim now is to make sure I get a good week's training under my belt so I'm ready for the game with City."
manchester city
Manchester City Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic has dismissed rumours linking him with a move to Manchester City this winter by affirming his desire to stay with the Bundesliga club. "Of course it is flattering to have my name linked with a top club in England," he said. "Manchester City are so rich that they can practically buy any player they want. (But) I have only just extended my contract until 2014 and I am also very happy privately in Dortmund."
Manchester United
Manchester United Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll says he has not made an offer to sign Manchester United youngster Ritchie de Laet on loan. O'Driscoll has been considering a foray into the loan market and recently watched United's reserve team, sparking rumours of an approach for De Laet. However, while O'Driscoll confirmed he did discuss the possibility of signing a player from the Barclays Premier League champions, Belgian defender De Laet was not the rookie in question. "We watched Manchester United reserves and there were four or five players that we would like," O'Driscoll said. "We chatted to them about certain players - I don't think Ritchie was one of them; in passing, maybe - to see what the situation was, but that is as far as it goes. With one of the players that we asked about there was a loan fee involved, which you can understand from Manchester United's point of view, but which was something that we couldn't afford."
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