Arsenal vs FC Twente CL Qualifying 08-09: Cesc Fabregas Expected to be Back in Action

Arsenal will take on Dutch club FC Twente tomorrow in the second leg of Champions league third round qualifying match. Arsenal won the first leg match at Netherlands 2-0 and they are clearly favorite for tomorrow’s home match as well. However, Arsenal’s priority in the match must be something more than just ensuring a place in the Champions League (CL) final round.

Arsenal has recently suffered a 1-0 loss at Fulham and now the Gunners are gearing up to put on an excellent performance against FC Twente in what would be a strong come back from their Fulham setback. Even manager Arsenal Wenger also sees it a good chance to make a strong come back.

There is good news for Arsenal fans as their star midfielder Cesc Fabregas is expected to come back in action after recovering from hamstring injury that forced him out for the first two premier league games of the season. His arrival must bolster the Gunners midfielder which looked weak against Fulham. However, Arsenal is going to miss a number of key players including the new signing defender Mikael Silvestre who has suffered a thigh muscle strain. Philippe Senderos is in his way to AC Milan to undergo a medical test looking to join the club on a loan deal. Long term absentees Abou Diaby, Amaury Bischoff, Tomas Rosicky and striker Eduardo will remain sidelined.

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BBC

Mikael Silvestre: Joining Arsenal is an Honor and a Surprise

Arsenal’s new signing Mikael Silvestre has said that he is very happy to have signed for Arsenal. The French defender sees the move as an honor as well as a big surprise. Mikael Silvestre has become the first player to have made a deal between Arsenal and Manchester United in the last 20 years. Vivian Anderson was the last player who made a move between Arsenal and Manchester United in 1987. Silvestre joined Arsenal from Manchester United on an undisclosed fee under a two-year contract. He has admitted that he could not say no when Arsenal proposed him.

Silvestre spent nine years at Old Trafford and he has admitted that he will miss Old Trafford and thanked former boss Sir Alex Ferguson for not standing in his way to join Arsenal. In the last season, Silvestre spent most of the time in the bench. Hope for more first team football played a big role behind this move because he did not want to spend any more time in the bench.

Now, Mikael Silvestre sees it as a challenge to perform regularly for Arsenal. The 31-year-old midfielder is now looking to have a good start with the Gunners. Silvertre now wants to serve the Gunners as much as he can. Let us see if he can add something what Arsenal lacked to clinch English premier league for the last couple of seasons. Well, time will answer it.

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Goal.com

Arsenal Signed French Defender Mikael Silvestre on Two-Year Deal

Signing an aged player for Arsenal came as a surprise for the Arsenal fans. Manager Arsene Wenger is always well-known for signing young, potential players, but this time he has signed former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. The 31-year-old French international joined Gunners on a two-year contract. Wenger earlier indicated that he would sign one or two more players in the Summer transfer window, but no body could even think of someone of Silvestre’s age.

Wenger believes that Silvestre will bring something what would make Arsenal a complete team in every aspect. Arsenal thinks the experience and maturity of Mikael Silvestre will be invaluable for Arsenal in the premier league race. Admitting that Arsenal squad lacks a bit of experience, Wenger sees Silvestre an experienced player who would help Arsenal out in this regard.

Another advantage that Arsene Wenger might enjoy thanks to Silvestre is that the French international is capable of playing both in the left back position as well as in the midfield. With Arsenal already losing a few key players in the midfield, Silvestre would definitely become a very good option for Arsenal midfield.

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AFP