Wenger looks for Fabregas to show his clinical side
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsene Wenger has brought Sol Campbell in from the cold this week but it is the return of Cesc Fabregas that is most eagerly anticipated at Arsenal when the midfielder comes back into the team tomorrow for the first time since 27 December.
The Arsenal captain makes his return from a hamstring injury to play against Bolton Wanderers with Wenger's team three points behind leaders Chelsea and preparing to play Aston Villa, Manchester United Chelsea and Liverpool in the space of just two weeks at the end of the month. The Arsenal manager said that his captain, and star player, could also weigh in with even more goals.
Wenger said: "I believe it's just his calm in front of goal, Cesc always had the chances. In some games he missed three or four, because he wanted always to finish with power. Now he finishes calm, he places the ball and suddenly he scores goals.
"I always said that he will score goals, because it will come when he gets more power and calm in front of goal and that's what happens now," the Frenchman said. "I believe he's more mature and he has gained a fraction of power because he's 22, and that's when you become really a man. And the system allows him to go forward a bit more. In a 4-4-2, the two players in front of the defence have to do a lot of defending."
Wenger is without Alex Song – on Africa Cup of Nations service – and he also has injuries to Denilson, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere. Campbell will not be part of tomorrow's squad and Wenger said that he believed the player was psychologically ready to play for Arsenal again.
Wenger said: "I believe he [Campbell] has [since Arsenal] gone to a different club, he has matured and I didn't put the knife to his throat to sign. His physical tests are quite surprisingly good. But he worked harder than ever I think. He was never one who did special training but they all become more professional when they get older.
"It gives me an opportunity to let [Philippe] Senderos go and play. Senderos is in a World Cup team in Switzerland and he needs to play. I gave an opportunity to Sol Campbell to practise and become fit again and then he got the taste to play with the players."
Arsenal's new 17-year-old Bolivian signing, Samuel Galindo, will go out on loan in Spain, Wenger said. "He's a player who has good technique. He's intelligent, 6ft 2in tall, left-footed and that's plenty of qualities. He also has good stamina and is a central midfielder who can give good balls. He has good vision, too, which we like here."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments