Arsenal

Arsenal wait on Fabregas & Eboue
Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Eboue have only a 40% chance of playing for Arsenal against Juventus in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final. Defender Eboue picked up a groin injury in the 5-0 win over Aston Villa, while midfielder Fabregas has a foot problem. "Cesc's foot has swollen up," said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. "We await the results of the scan. Both are 40-60 for Wednesday." Arsenal beat Juventus 2-0 at Highbury in the first leg on 28 March. Fabregas only lasted for 15 minutes against Villa before being replaced by Abou Diaby, who went on to score his first goal for the club, while Ivory Coast international Eboue was substituted after 67 minutes. Wenger added: "Fabregas' foot has blown up. That's not a good sign. It can be a vein that has exploded or it's coming from a bone we don't know. "Eboue did his groin because he played like former Brazil great Garrincha on the right side and didn't stop going forward." Former Arsenal manager George Graham told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme that the loss of Fabregas and Eboue would make the Gunners' task in Turin that much more difficult. "It is a big blow because Arsenal's squad is not the strongest and they already have Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell out. "I fancy Arsenal to score away from home but I think it is going to be tough with those two players out." Graham added that he had been impressed by the way Arsenal had played in Europe this season. "Over the last seven or eight years, since Arsene has been in charge, Arsenal have been a great team to watch but often they have been beaten by inferior teams in Europe. "This season they have been a bit more cautious defensively."

It is good news for Gunners!!
Arsenal have confirmed that Emmanuel Eboue and Cesc Fabregas have recovered from injury and will travel to Turin for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Juventus. Both players had to be substituted in Saturday's 5-0 victory against Aston Villa. Fabregas limped off the Highbury pitch in the 16th minute with a foot problem, while Eboue was substituted midway through the second half with a groin injury. It is good news for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger who had said after Saturday's game that he rated the duo as only 50-50 for the trip to Italy. Both players starred in last week's first leg in north London which Arsenal won 2-0

Arsenal confident over Henry deal
Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman believes club captain Thierry Henry will sign a new contract extension. The 28-year-old's deal runs out in 2007 and Edelman says Champions League success would persuade him to stay. "That would help," Edelman told Sir Stanley. "It is over 50% probability he will stay. "We've got a new stadium to go to and we've got a great group of youngsters who show we're a team for the future. I think he will stay." Henry has been linked with a move to Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly leading the chase. Speculation has increased as Arsenal have had their worst league season under Arsene Wenger, although they have hit a recent rich vein of form and are now favourites to finish fourth and claim a qualifying spot in the Champions League. But while they have struggled in the Premiership they have flourished in Europe and go into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with a 2-0 lead over Juventus. "When he sits down in the cold light of day we're a team for the future," Edelman added. "I think Arsene has developed another great team and you're seeing it develop in front of your eyes. When you watch that and play with that it's very exciting."

Stand up to Juventus, says Wenger
Manager Arsene Wenger says Arsenal must reproduce the fearless spirit that sunk Real Madrid when they take on Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final. After beating Real in the last round, the Gunners are 2-0 up against Juve going into Wednesday's second leg. "We have to find the right mixture - defend well yet not only defend but get forward where we can," said Wenger. "We did not lose it in the second game with Real Madrid but we were not intimidated, we did not lose our game." Cesc Fabregas was Arsenal's stand-out player at Highbury, scoring one goal, and he hopes to shrug off a bruised foot to play in Turin. But skipper Thierry Henry, who scored the other goal, says whoever Wenger selects will be up to the task. "Football can always reserve you some surprises - and you always have to stay cool and calm," said the striker. "Juventus at home are a completely different proposition to the team we played at Highbury. "This will be the most difficult game of our Champions League campaign this season and what we have done so far will be irrelevant if we do not reach the semi-finals. "But our greatest motivation is that we know that everything is possible if we play as we did in the home game. "It was a victory for togetherness." Juventus captain Lilian Thuram says the first leg was "a disaster for us in every way" and has promised that his side will attack Arsenal like "a hurricane". Wenger has warned his team to expect a frantic start. "They might try to score early on and to put us under pressure. I believe that will suit us, to defend well as a team, but not to hide," he stated. "We have to be positive and try to win the game. "With the experienced side we face, no matter what happens we will have to be fully focused for 90 minutes." Juventus went to pieces at Highbury, finishing with nine men after Mauro Camoranesi and Jonathan Zebina were sent off. But coach Fabio Capello believes his side can still win the tie. "Miracles do happen," said Capello. "We are convinced we can do something extraordinary. In football anything can happen. "People think we are dead in this competition - they are mistaken." Thuram described fellow Frenchman Henry as a "devil who is difficult to stop" but says his team are more than capable of handling him. "Player by player Juve are superior to Arsenal and it will not be a surprise if we were to get three or four goals. "Now the whole world will see what the real Juventus is all about. We are out for revenge for the humiliation we suffered."

Pires close to deciding on future
Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires is likely to make a decision on his future in the next two weeks. The 32-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, is keen to remain with the Gunners but is unhappy with their offer of a one-year deal. Spanish reports claim Pires will sign a two-year deal with Villarreal. His agent Stephane Courbis refused to comment on the Villarreal link but told BBC Sport: "We should know in two weeks where his future lies." Pires, who has also been linked with a move to Rangers, has put aside talks about his future to concentrate on the club's Champions League quarter-final at Juventus. The Frenchman joined the club in 2000 and was voted Football Writers' Player of the Year in 2002. He has made over 250 appearances for the club since his £6m arrival from Marseille. Pires has recently been quoted as saying the amount of time he is likely to play for the first team, rather than the length of the deal, will determine whether he signs a new contract with Arsenal. He has made it clear his first option would be to stay at the club to help the current crop of young players as they prepare for the move into their new stadium next season.

Juventus 0-0 Arsenal (agg 0-2)
well done you gooners.....superb heres the match report: Arsenal eased through to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a comfortable 0-0 draw in Turin. The Gunners, taking a 2-0 lead from the first leg to the Stadio Delle Alpi, were never in danger of losing against a poor Juventus side. Arsene Wenger's side could have made their passage more comfortable after they split the Juventus defence on numerous occasions. It was all too frustrating for Juve's Pavel Nedved, who was sent off. With a two-goal lead in the bag, there would have been nothing from Juve's first-half performance to have worried Wenger. He may have spent much of half-time considering his side could have stretched themselves even further away. Certainly the Gunners' attacking endeavours were the more flowing of the two while the home side were continually frustrated either by a wayward pass in an advanced position or the presence of an offside flag. From the moment Gilberto connected with Cesc Fabregas' cross and would have seen a solid connection beat Gianluigi Buffon, there was hope there. The Italian press had talked about The Old Lady needing a miracle to battle through to the semi-finals and there was little evidence of one arriving. Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas battles with Juventus' Adrian Mutu Gianluca Zambrotta's volley that fizzed past the post may have caused a little concern but, just as they did at Highbury a week ago, the Arsenal defence looked in little danger. All that would have disappointed Wenger was a harsh booking for time-wasting against Jose Antonio Reyes, which would rule him out of the semi. And Matthieu Flamini, having already been booked for a foul on former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, received the benefit of the doubt for a hefty challenge on the ineffectual Nedved right on the half-time whistle. With Alessandro del Piero sidelined through injury, it was difficult to see from where the creative spark Juventus so desperately required would arrive. Every time they looked like puncturing the Arsenal defence, one of the Gunners, invariably Kolo Toure or Philippe Senderos, was present to make sure the danger did not materialise. Only Buffon's swift reactions when he raced from his line prevented the home side from going behind when, in racing through, Thierry Henry uncharacteristically allowed the ball to slightly overrun. David Trezeguet was unfortunate not to connect to Nedved's cross on the six-yard box and Zlatan Ibrahimovic thought he had beaten Jens Lehmann when his shot from the edge of the box took a big deflection but the German goalkeeper was fully behind it. He was also able to beat away a Nedved shot that seemed destined for the corner. But, eventually the Czech maestro's frustration got the better of him as he was sent off with 13 minutes left for a second booking after a foul on Emmanuel Eboue. Hleb could have sealed the victory late on but flashed his shot past the post and Freddie Ljungberg also fired wide when well placed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Juventus: Buffon, Zambrotta, Kovac, Cannavaro, Chiellini (Balzaretti 66), Mutu (Zalayeta 61), Emerson, Giannichedda, Nedved, Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic. Subs Not Used: Abbiati, Pessotto, Blasi, Thuram, Olivera. Sent Off: Nedved (77). Booked: Chiellini, Nedved. Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Flamini, Hleb (Diaby 87), Ljungberg, Silva, Fabregas, Reyes (Pires 62), Henry. Subs Not Used: Almunia, Van Persie, Song Billong, Campbell, Walcott. Booked: Flamini, Reyes. Att: 50,000. Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany)

Wenger demands calm before semis
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger attempted to dampen down expectations his side will be favourites to reach the Champions League final ahead of Villarreal. "We must keep our feet on the ground," said Wenger, after his side reached the last four by beating Juventus 2-0 on agrgregate after drawing 0-0 in Turin. "Villarreal are a bit like us; no-one expected them to be where they are, so it is two outsiders. "We're very proud - two months ago no-one expected that from our players." Wenger added: "We played in a restricted way - we didn't play with freedom when we had the ball, but we were in control. "It went according to plan in many ways because they did not create a lot. We didn't suffer much in the first 20 minutes or the first 15 minutes of the second half. "Pavel Nedved's sending-off was the end of the game. I felt he could get them back to 2-1 and then it would have been difficult." Asked if there was any truth in reports of a bust-up with Robert Pires, who was surprisingly left out of the starting line-up, Wenger added: "I cannot give you any light on that. "I decided not to play him because he had played two full games." Gunners captain Thierry Henry also insisted Arsenal's progression to their first Champions League semi-final would mean nothing unless they win the tournament in Paris next month. Henry said: "I'm really proud but I'm a winner and reaching the semi-finals is not the kind of history I'm looking to make. "We're trying to go all the way and that means winning it. It's a good day for the club but let's extend it. "I'm a winner and when you wear the Arsenal jersey you have that in your blood. You have to enjoy the moment, then we will see against Villarreal." Juventus coach Fabio Capello said the tie had been decided at Highbury last week when the Gunners took a two-goal lead. "We did everything possible and played a good match, but the 2-0 from the first leg was too difficult to recover. "We could not have done any better at this stage of the season."

Campbell ready for Arsenal return
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell says he is ready to make his first-team return after a two-month absence. The 31-year-old England international has not played for the Gunners since 1 February but was on the bench for his side's draw with Juventus on Wednesday. "When the manager wants me to play, I am ready," he told Sir Stanley. "I am just waiting for my chance. I want to get a few games under my belt so we will see what happens for the rest of the season." Campbell walked out of Highbury at half-time during his side's 3-2 defeat by West Ham on 1 February after being substituted. He missed several days of training and was then sidelined by an ankle injury. And he knows he may have to bide his time before winning back his place in the Arsenal line-up because of their current good form. "I am looking forward to it but the side is playing fantastically so I will have to wait for my time," he added. "It is nice because whoever has come in has done well, so that it fantastic. "You need that as a team, there have either been a few changes or a few injuries and things like that and you need to keep the performances up. It is brilliant, I'm happy."

Arsenal given semi-final warning
Villarreal defender Rodolfo Arruabarrena believes Arsenal's inexperience may count against them in the Champions League semi-finals. Arruabarrena scored against Inter Milan on Tuesday to set up a last-four date with the Gunners later this month. "They have a lot of young players. That might mean the pressure could affect them," he told Spanish newspaper Marca. "However, together with Barcelona, Arsenal have played the best football in this season's Champions League." The 30-year-old Argentine added: "They are a team that love playing with the ball at their feet and the whole team, not just Thierry Henry, play quick and precise football." Villarreal beat Inter 1-0 on Tuesday to level the tie 2-2 and go through to the semi-finals on away goals. This is the Spanish side's first season in the Champions League and they are now aiming to become the first debutants since Sampdoria in 1992 to reach the final of the European Cup. Club president Fernando Roig was full of praise for Arsenal and said he was delighted they were his side's next opponents. "We have now got Arsenal and that is tremendous because they are a great team with great players," he told Spanish newspaper AS. "They have got Thierry Henry and he is one of the best players in the world. They've also got some very good Spaniards in their team, like Cesc Fabregas. "What's more, we are going to visit a great city in London, which my wife and I prefer to Turin." The Spanish media has reported that Villarreal fans are already making plans for a trip to Paris to see the final on 17 May. The match coincides with the town's annual fiesta in honour of its patron saint, San Pascual. Father Guillermo, the priest of the Santa Sofia church, said he would ask for a celebratory mass at Notre Dame followed by a procession to the Stade de France - if the club reached the final. The 78-year-old, who attends matches wearing the club's bright yellow shirt and his dog collar, has the Champions League theme music as the ring tone on his mobile phone.

Celtic chief wants Arsenal defeat
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell would prefer Arsenal not to win the Champions League this season. A victory for the English side or Villarreal could force Celtic to qualify for next term's group stages. And Lawwell told Sir Stanley: "We'll only be there if this year's winners qualify directly from their league. "We'll be cheering on Barcelona or AC Milan as they look like qualifying. Hopefully, that won't annoy Arsenal, but we have to be self-centred." If the current domestic situation stays the same, Celtic will profit if Barcelona or AC Milan lift the trophy in Paris on 17 May. Barca are currently 11 points clear of Real Madrid in Spain's Primera Liga, while Milan are nine points adrift of leaders Juventus and two points clear of Inter Milan in Italy's Serie A. Celtic won the Scottish title on Wednesday with six games of the season still remaining after a 1-0 victory over Hearts. But Lawwell stresses that he expects a greater challenge from the Edinburgh club, boosted by the financial backing of Russian owner Vladimir Romanov, and Rangers, who will give incoming boss Paul Le Guen money to reshape Celtic's Glasgow rivals. And the chief executive points out that direct qualification for the Champions League would give manager Gordon Strachan greater flexibility in the transfer market during the summer. "It was a great, great feeling to regain the championship, especially to finish it so early," he said. "But we understand what's happening at Hearts and we understand what's happening at Rangers. "So we'll strengthen in the summer as we know we have to get better." Hibernian defender Gary Caldwell and Scotland colleague Kenny Miller, the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, have already signed pre-contract agreements to join Celtic at the end of the season. And Strachan has expressed his desire to complete any additions to his squad before the summer's World Cup finals. But Lawwell said: "That is the goal. How realistic it is depends on the availability of players. But, if it takes longer, it takes longer. "Our priority will be to have a squad capable of retaining the title and doing even better domestically. "And, if we have got into the Champions League group stages, we want to give a good account of ourselves." Lawwell said that talks were ongoing with veteran midfielder Neil Lennon and he expected young forward Shaun Maloney to sign a new deal. Striker John Hartson, who has had problems in his personal life, has hinted that he could leave, while veteran midfielder Roy Keane has questioned whether injuries will allow him to continue next season. But Lawwell said: "We had a bid for John in January and we said he wasn't going and John didn't want to go. "We will sit down with John and his representatives in the next couple of months. "Roy has got another year to go. There has been a lot of speculation around that, but we're hopeful. "He appears to be enjoying it. He loves the club and he enjoys being around here."

Eriksson assures Campbell of role
Sol Campbell says he has been assured of a place in England's World Cup squad - as long as he makes his first-team comeback for Arsenal this season. Campbell, 31, has not featured since 1 February when he was taken off at half-time during the West Ham game. But he said: "Sven-Goran Eriksson came to the training ground and saw Ashley Cole and myself and he reassured us. "I need a couple of games under my belt and there's enough time. Thinking about the World Cup is keeping me going." Campbell walked out of Highbury after being withdrawn by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger against West Ham and has struggled with fitness ever since. He has been hampered by injuries to his ankle and toe, but has now recovered enough to take his place on the subs' bench for the Champions League tie against Juventus on Wednesday. "I feel relaxed about the whole situation," added Campbell. "I've been frustrated as I just want to play football. That's all I want to do. "I've had a couple of injuries which have pegged me back but I've sorted out a lot of things. My health and my injuries are good. "I'll wait for my time, simple as that. When the manager wants to pick me and wants me to play, I'm ready."

FA charges Cole's agent Barnett
The Football Association has charged Ashley Cole's agent Jonathan Barnett with a breach of rules. The charge relates to his alleged involvement in a meeting involving Arsenal star Cole and Chelsea officials at a London hotel on 27 January 2005. It was a meeting that led to Premier League action against Cole, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Chelsea. The breach of FA rules relates to "illegal approaches to clubs by players under contract." Barnett has also been charged with a breach of the Fifa Players¿ Agents Code of Conduct, which require agents to respect the rights of third parties - in this case Arsenal. He has until 20 April to respond to the charge. Cole was fined £75,000 by the Premier League - while Chelsea boss Mourinho also was fined £75,000 in the dispute and the club £300,000 by the Premier League in August, of which neither appealed.

Lehmann gets German nod over Kahn
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been chosen as the German number one for the World Cup finals, ahead of Bayern Munich stopper Oliver Kahn. Lehmann, 36, and Kahn, 36, have been alternating in the role since Jurgen Klinsmann took over as coach in 2004. "This was the most difficult decision of my time as coach," said Klinsmann. "Of course Oliver is disappointed, but he took it as a real sportsman." Kahn said: "I am surprised about this decision and absolutely disappointed." He added: "I will consider my future with the national team over the next few weeks and announce my decision at an appropriate date. "I will now, in the coming weeks, fully concentrate on my duties with Bayern Munich." Lehmann told the German Football Association website: "I'm delighted the decision went in my favour. "I'm going to throw myself into it even more than I have done up to now, so as to live up to the requirements of the World Cup. "I'll do everything to do justice to the confidence the coaching team has placed in me." Lehmann has played just 29 times for Germany, making him a novice compared to Kahn, who has 84 caps. However, while Lehmann has been in fine form for Arsenal, Kahn has been struggling with Bayern, making two mistakes in the recent 2-2 draw with Cologne. Kahn was Germany captain when they were runners-up at the 2002 World Cup. He was named player of the tournament, but was at fault for Ronaldo's first goal as Brazil won the final 2-0 in Yokohama. Goalkeeping coach Andreas Kopke said it was a close decision between the two keepers. "Both goalkeepers have extraordinary ability but we are convinced that Lehmann fits better with our playing philosophy."

Man Utd v Arsenal
Manchester United defender Wes Brown returns after a groin injury, and should make the bench if not the starting line-up. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will again have to choose between Louis Saha and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Arsenal have included defender Sol Campbell in the squad, but the England centre-back may have to settle for a place on the bench. The Gunners are expected to stick with the side that drew 0-0 with Juventus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man Utd (from): Van de Sar, Howard, Neville, Pique, Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, Silvestre, Evra, Ronaldo, Giggs, O'Shea, Fletcher, Park, Rooney, Saha, Van Nistelrooy, Rossi. Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Hleb, Flamini, Fabregas, Gilberto, Pires, Henry, Djourou, Song, Van Persie, Reyes, Diaby, Walcott, Ljungberg, Campbell, Bergkamp. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "This is a major opportunity for us. "Chelsea have dropped points and when your form starts to go in April, it is not easy to get it back. It is not liking turning the gas on and off. "Chelsea are still in the driving seat but the situation is not quite so settled as it once seemed. If we can beat Arsenal, I think we will be difficult to live with." Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb: "Although the first half of the season was not so good, we have now found our rhythm and are playing well. "Both the Champions League and Premier League are equal priorities for us. "Since we lost so many points in the first half of the season, we need to try to catch the team above us. We have no more margin for error."

Robson expresses Campbell concern
Former England boss Sir Bobby Robson believes Sol Campbell is running out of time to secure a World Cup squad place. The Arsenal defender has recovered from ankle and toe injuries but has yet to return to action following a poor display against West Ham on 1 February. And Robson told the Mail on Sunday: "Sol has been the bedrock of England's defence for nearly a decade. "But unless he starts games for Arsenal I do not see how he will be on the plane to Germany." Campbell, 31, was again absent from the Arsenal squad for Sunday's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. And he was an unused substitute for Wednesday's Champions League draw with Juventus in Turin as Arsene Wenger's men booked their semi-final berth. Campbell has seen Kolo Toure and Philippe Senderos replace him in the Gunners defence, while at international level John Terry and Rio Ferdinand have emerged as Sven-Goran Eriksson's first-choice central defenders. And Robson said: "It's an acceptable risk for Sven to name one player in his squad who is short of games. So Michael Owen will be OK for Germany. "It might just be alright to name two gambles, in case Ashley Cole does not get many games between now and June. "But there is no way the England manager will want to take three outfield players out of 20 with big question marks against them. "That is why Sol Campbell must be rated a serious World Cup doubt at the moment. "Sol and Sven must hope that Arsene Wenger starts introducing the rotation system at Highbury to keep his players fresh for the Champions League. "At least that way Sol has a chance of showing he is fit and available for England."

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