It seems as if playing down injuries has become an essential part of Arsene Wenger’s job at Arsenal, this time concerning defender Johan Djourou.
The 23 year old had conceded a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s win over SC Neusiedl (4-0) and had to be replaced in the 1st half, but the Gunners boss speaks of yet another ‘not so serious’ injury and expects Djourou to be fit enough to play in the Emirates Cup this weekend.
Wenger also remarked Tomas Rosicky was left out of the game as ‘a precautionary measure’, talking to Arsenal’s official website.
“Djourou has a small hamstring problem but it is not bad,” Wenger was quoted as saying. “He should be available for the weekend.
“Rosicky had a small, small alert. He was supposed to play in the first half but he could have played. I didn’t want to take the gamble, it is only a little problem on his groin and I decided to replace him.”
Djourou -a Swiss international- was sidelined for the whole of last season, and the only part he played at all in Arsenal’s campaign was coming on as a substitute in their final EPL game vs Fulham. With William Gallas, Philippe Senderos, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre all out of the Emirates Stadium though, it now comes down to Djourou, Vermaelen and new signing Koscielny to cover the centre of Arsenal’s defense, so Wenger had better be spot on that Djourou’s injury is not keeping him out for long.