Manuel Almunia is Facing an Uncertain Future at Arsenal

Manuel Almunia cuts a forlorn figure on the Arsenal substitutes' bench at the moment.

The Spanish goalkeeper was back from his mysterious stomach illness last Saturday and no doubt expected to return to action; instead he was wrapped up, complete with warm winter hat, looking thoroughly unimpressed as he watched Vito Mannone retain his place in the team.

And Mannone was again in goal for their Champions League match against AZ Alkmaar in Holland, suggesting that manager Arsene Wenger now considers the 21-year-old Italian as his first choice keeper.

I'm happy to return - Nasri

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri was pleased to make his comeback from his broken leg on Tuesday.

The French international has not played this season after breaking his leg at Arsenal's pre-season training in Austria.

But he is now fully recovered and is looking to build up his fitness with a view to returning in a few weeks' time.

"I feel good," he told the club's official website.

"I was a little bit tired at the end of the first half but I am so happy to be back on the pitch. It has been three months I was injured so I am really glad to be back.

We will learn lessons - Diaby

Abou Diaby maintains Arsenal can only learn from their mistakes as they bid to be stronger in the Champions League this season.
The Gunners threw away what would have been a third straight European victory, and all but securing safe passage into the knockout stages, when they allowed AZ Alkmaar to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser in Holland last night.

Manager Arsene Wenger felt his team had been somewhat "naive" in failing to close out the game. Arsenal conceded a needless free-kick from an offside which allowed the Dutch team to pump the ball into the penalty area, where substitute Graziano Pelle got above Diaby to head down into the six-yard box and David Mendes Da Silva smashed home a close-range volley.

Loanees- Simpson continues hot streak and Emmanuel-Thomas assist

Arsenal’s three Championship-based loanees were all in midweek action last night, and all impressed…


Jay Simpson continued his hot scoring streak by finding the target in QPR’s 4-1 win over Reading. Simpson struck his fifth goal for the Hoops with a clinical finish from inside the six yard box. Akos Buzsaky, Rowan Vine and Patrick Agyemang were also on the scoresheet for QPR, who had Ben Watson sent off. Reading were also reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Ivar Ingimarsson for two bookable offences, both of which were fouls on Simpson, who recieved harsh treatment throughout before being replaced by Vine on 53 minutes.

Eboue keen to repay faith

Emmanuel Eboue would love to repay Arsenal's faith by helping take them back to the Champions League final.

The Ivory Coast international, 26, was part of the side which lost 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris four years ago, and has also felt the wrath of Arsenal fans after a poor campaign last season.

Eboue said: "For me I just want to say thank you to my boss and the fans because they help me a lot."

Van Persie the only striker fit!

The Arsenal injury list looked like it was dwindling last week, but then Theo Walcott got injured again on his first start of the season. Arsene Wenger thinks he will be out for 2 to 3 weeks today, after saying 3 to 4 weeks yesterday. This means that he could be ready for England’s friendly game against Brazil next month.

Thomas Rosicky was also a victim of the Birmingham match with a knee problem, but Wenger believes he will be okay for next weekend. With Eduardo still not ready to return after his setback, and Nicklas Bendtner still out after being injured in training last week, it is expected that Robin Van Persie will be left as the lone striker back in his native Holland tonight, unless Carlos Vela gets promoted to play alongside him.

Nasri and Fabianski to return on Tuesday

Samir Nasri and Lukasz Fabianski will make their comebacks when Arsenal travel to Wolves in the Reserve League on Tuesday night.

While the first team chase three points on the continent at AZ Alkmaar, the French midfielder and Polish goalkeeper will pull on a shirt for the first time this season at the New Bucks Head Stadium, home of Telford United.

We must believe in each other - Arshavin

Striker Andrey Arshavin has urged his team mates to believe more in each other on the pitch, saying that the team needs to show more 'character'.

The Russian international commented that although Arsenal had outplayed Manchester United at Old Trafford, the character and belief from the champions were enough to defeat the Gunners 2-1.

But it's not all about flair and pretty passes, the result is the most important aspect of the game and Arshavin is hoping that any further defeats will be few and far between this season.

We will not underestimate Alkmaar - Fabregas

Captain Francesc Fabregas has said that his side will not be underestimating the threat posed by Dutch side Az Alkmaar ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match.

The Gunners currently have a 100 per cent record in the competition, and will want to extend that on Tuesday.

Arsenal travel to the Netherlands hoping to clinch progression to the next round of the Champions League, but Fabregas says that despite his team's good form, there will be no letting off the gas in the match.

Walcott injury update

Manager Arsène Wenger has said that he expects winger Theo Walcott to miss the Champions League match against Dutch side Az Alkmaar.

Walcott made his first appearance of the season against Birmingham today after returning from injury but had to be withdrawn after suffering a heavy tackle.

Although he wasn't substituted immediately, it was clear that Walcott could not carry on for the full match and eventually made way for Andrey Arshavin.

Clichy tips cap to maturing Gunners

Arsenal star Gael Clichy believes the Gunners are more dangerous this season after learning how to see off the smaller teams in the division.

The Gunners did well against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool last term but still finished 18 points off the pace.

United lifted the Premier League trophy despite a modest record against the other top sides and Clichy insists the manner of their triumph taught Arsenal an important lesson.

Meet Our loanees as Jay Simpson Scores

Jay Simpson was amongst the scorers as QPR racked up a comprehensive 4-0 win over Preston at Loftus Road. A wonder-goal from Adel Taarabt was followed by a second-half penalty conversion from Akos Buzsaky. Simpson then made it three  with a sidefooted effort that went in off the post before Wayne Routledge added gloss to the scoreline late on. Simpson was replaced by Rowan Vine with 13 minutes remaining.