Monday, September 28, 2009

Arsenal v Olympiakos

Arsenal    v    Olympiakos

    Champions League
    Venue: The Emirates Date: Tuesday 29 September Kick-off: 1945 BST
    Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live and live on Sky Sports Xtra

    Nicklas Bendtner
    Striker Bendtner suffered a car crash on Sunday

    Arsenal are without Nicklas Bendtner for the visit of Olympiakos after he was involved in a minor car accident that left him bruised.

    Keeper Manuel Almunia is still absent with a chest infection so Vito Mannone will continue to deputise in goal.

    Midfielder Denilson is out for two months with a back injury but Theo Walcott returns from a side strain.

    Olympiakos will be missing attacking midfielder Luciano Galletti and striker Matt Derbyshire, who are both injured.

    Denmark international Bendtner crashed his car on Sunday but suffered no long-term damage.

    The 21-year-old was driving along the A1 towards South Mimms when his Aston Martin left the road and it is understood no other vehicle was involved in the incident.

    "Nicklas did not practice because he had a car accident on Sunday," Wenger confirmed.

    "Fortunately there was no real long-term damage, but he was bruised and we thought it better he did not train. He should be back for Sunday's game (against Blackburn)."

    There was better news regarding Walcott though, who is set to make his Arsenal return having been out of action since June.

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    "I think my game was going to a new level before I got injured but you always get the odd injury," said Walcott.

    "I haven't had much of a pre-season or any games. I've had 45 minutes and that's it - it will take me a few games to get back into the flow but I am raring to go and I am sure it will come."

    Greek side Olympiakos are on a fine run since new coach Zico replaced Temuri Ketsbaia on 17 September.

    Like Arsenal they also opened their Champions League campaign with a victory, defeating AZ 1-0, and are aware of the magnitude of Tuesday's match at the Emirates Stadium.

    "The clash against Arsenal is a very important game and we have to be as good as in the Greek league," said Zico.

    Arsenal (from): Mannone, Clichy, Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, Song, Diaby, Fabregas, Arshavin, Eduardo, van Persie, Szczesny, Rosicky, Eboue, Silvestre, Ramsey, Gibbs, Wilshere, Vela, Watt, Walcott.

    о 5:32 AM

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