ARSENAL face Blackburn Rovers in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon (Sat. April 16th), but they must do so without their top scorer, Thierry Henry.
The talismanic Frenchman will miss the lunchtime fixture and may not return in time for the Premiership clash against Chelsea on Wednesday because of injury. "Henry is out with a groin problem," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
"It is an inflammation of his groin. We have to check by scan today to find out how long he will be out. He could be out for a few weeks, he could be out for a few days. It could be quite serious.
"It is a big blow. We wanted Thierry with us but on the other hand we have to focus on the strengths we have and make sure we have enough to go through."
The manager also revealed that Sol Campbell will play no part in Cardiff, despite the central defender completing a second full game for the reserves on Tuesday. "Campbell practises and is close to full, full competitive fitness, but he is not involved." said Wenger.
Wenger has challenged Jose Antonio Reyes to rise to the challenge of replacing Henry. The Spanish striker has recovered from the knock which forced him out of last weekend’s game at Middlesbrough at half-time and will be keen to put a difficult campaign behind him.
Reyes has endured considerable stick from defenders this season, adding to the homesickness which has made him consider a move back to Spain, and Wenger said: "I feel that Reyes was a target at one stage in England and he suffered from that.
"It took him some time to get over it as it looked like the word had gone out that you had to kick Arsenal. He was one of the players who could make a difference so that’s why he was a target. But he’s got over that now and with Thierry absent, the semi-final is a good opportunity for him to show he can do it."
Blackburn striker Paul Dickov is hoping to put bad memories of playing in Cardiff behind him by reaching the final. "We got hammered 4-0 on that occasion," said Dickov of his last visit to the Millennium Stadium when he was up front for Scotland against Wales. "But even that was a fantastic occasion because there was a full house. There’s no better stage to go and play your football."
Blackburn’s run of one defeat in their last nine games is impressive but Dickov appreciates that the Ewood Park club are underdogs this afternoon. "We know Arsenal are a fantastic side, but all we have to do is concentrate on making sure we do the right things and then we’ve a chance," he added.
"When we’ve got results it’s when everybody has been on their game. We can’t afford for just seven, eight or nine players playing well. We need everybody."
Sport.Scotsman.com
The talismanic Frenchman will miss the lunchtime fixture and may not return in time for the Premiership clash against Chelsea on Wednesday because of injury. "Henry is out with a groin problem," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
"It is an inflammation of his groin. We have to check by scan today to find out how long he will be out. He could be out for a few weeks, he could be out for a few days. It could be quite serious.
"It is a big blow. We wanted Thierry with us but on the other hand we have to focus on the strengths we have and make sure we have enough to go through."
The manager also revealed that Sol Campbell will play no part in Cardiff, despite the central defender completing a second full game for the reserves on Tuesday. "Campbell practises and is close to full, full competitive fitness, but he is not involved." said Wenger.
Wenger has challenged Jose Antonio Reyes to rise to the challenge of replacing Henry. The Spanish striker has recovered from the knock which forced him out of last weekend’s game at Middlesbrough at half-time and will be keen to put a difficult campaign behind him.
Reyes has endured considerable stick from defenders this season, adding to the homesickness which has made him consider a move back to Spain, and Wenger said: "I feel that Reyes was a target at one stage in England and he suffered from that.
"It took him some time to get over it as it looked like the word had gone out that you had to kick Arsenal. He was one of the players who could make a difference so that’s why he was a target. But he’s got over that now and with Thierry absent, the semi-final is a good opportunity for him to show he can do it."
Blackburn striker Paul Dickov is hoping to put bad memories of playing in Cardiff behind him by reaching the final. "We got hammered 4-0 on that occasion," said Dickov of his last visit to the Millennium Stadium when he was up front for Scotland against Wales. "But even that was a fantastic occasion because there was a full house. There’s no better stage to go and play your football."
Blackburn’s run of one defeat in their last nine games is impressive but Dickov appreciates that the Ewood Park club are underdogs this afternoon. "We know Arsenal are a fantastic side, but all we have to do is concentrate on making sure we do the right things and then we’ve a chance," he added.
"When we’ve got results it’s when everybody has been on their game. We can’t afford for just seven, eight or nine players playing well. We need everybody."
Sport.Scotsman.com
