News in Brief - Tues 17th Nov
A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.
Arsenal
Arsenal Kieran Gibbs says he is happy to play wherever needed as the Arsenal youngster continues his progress. England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce deployed Gibbs on the left side of midfield for the 1-0 win over Portugal at Wembley on Saturday, which kept England on course to qualify for the 2011 European Championships. Gibbs is used at left-back by Gunners manager Arsene Wenger and is set for another extended run in the first team following an injury to Gael Clichy. England manager Fabio Capello indicated the 20-year-old is one player he intends to keep a close eye on as he finalises his squad for the World Cup next summer. And Gibbs is just content to continue his education, however the different coaches decide is best. "The gaffer [Pearce] told me he was going to change me around a bit and use my energy to try and stop them from playing really, so I was happy to get involved," said Gibbs. "Just get me on the football pitch and I will be happy, so it does not matter where. I do look forward to taking my chances but you also have to enjoy it because you do not get opportunities like this all the time. I had a little chance last season and now I am looking to do the same again. I played in some big games and is all good experience to help make me stronger to come back now this season and for the rest of my career. I am not thinking too much about the World Cup because there is still a long season to go."
Chelsea
Chelsea Michael Ballack is a doubt for Chelsea's match against Wolves at the weekend after pulling out of Germany's friendly with Ivory Coast. The 33-year-old has had an emotional week following the suicide of international team-mate Robert Enke and will miss the match on Wednesday with an infected knee. Chelsea can go eight points ahead of their title rivals on Saturday with Manchester United not playing until the early evening when they host Everton while Arsenal face a tricky test at Sunderland. However the absence of Ballack, coupled with the injury to team-mate Frank Lampard, leaves the Blues short in the midfield department. "We can definitely say that Michael Ballack will not play on Wednesday," Germany coach Joachim Low said. "He has an infection in the back of the knee and there has been a reaction. After consultation with the doctors - I also spoke to Michael Ballack - I have decided that he will not play. He needs two or three days of rest. It makes no sense to take risks, also in terms of Chelsea as they have quite a few games leading up to Christmas and afterwards."
Liverpool
Liverpool Andrea Dossena believes the combination of Steven Gerrard and Alberto Aquilani could give Liverpool the most deadly midfield in English football. The Italy international is a big fan of Aquilani, who signed from Roma in the summer but is still waiting for his first start due to injury. And Dossena can't wait to see his countryman in regular action alongside arguably the best midfielder in world football. "Potentially, Aquilani is a great player," said the left-back. "He is a complete midfielder who can do everything at both ends of the pitch. He can run, defend, make a hard tackle or score with his terrific shot from long distance. He and Gerrard together can give us the strongest midfield in the league, and one of the strongest at European level. Over the past two seasons he has played little football because of his injuries, but when he is fully fit he will prove his value. Give him just a little time to settle in England, on and off the pitch, and he will be a sensational player."
manchester city
Manchester City Winger Martin Petrov has been ruled out for up to a fortnight after sustaining a knee injury on international duty. The 30-year-old, who has scored three goals for his club this season, was with Bulgaria preparing for friendly matches when the problem occurred. According to City, Petrov has a slight sprain of the inner ligament in the left knee. He has returned to the club's Carrington training ground where he is undergoing rehabilitation work.
Manchester United
Manchester United Defender Patrice Evra will take nothing for granted as France attempt belatedly to book their place at next summer's World Cup finals. The French took a significant step towards South Africa in Dublin on Saturday evening when Nicolas Anelka's lone strike gave them a 1-0 play-off first-leg lead and set them up perfectly for Wednesday's return in Paris. But Evra said: "It is just half-time. On Wednesday, we have a big game. Ireland will come to the Stade de France for a win and we need to be strong again and win that game. It's very important. Now it is only one game. France want to go to the World Cup - I want to win on Wednesday and go to the World Cup."
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