Wenger - Arshavin is tough and will respond

Arsène Wenger says Andrey Arshavin is ready to respond to Russia's World Cup Qualifying Play-Off defeat to Slovenia with some solid performances for Arsenal.

Despite winning the first leg 2-1, a 1-0 defeat in Slovenia saw Guus Hiddink's side miss out on a World Cup trip to South Africa.

Arshavin is Russia's captain and Wenger chose to use him as a substitute in last weekend's defeat against Sunderland, though the forward returned to the starting line-up against Standard Liege on Tuesday night.

“He is very down," explained Wenger. "He came back from Slovenia very down and that’s the main reason I did not play him from the start against Sunderland.

"You want players to be 100 per cent focussed, play a game like it’s life or death, and it is impossible not to be down if you don’t win.

"If you care, you are down. Arshavin is Russia captain and he is 28. At the next World Cup he will be 33."

However, the Arsenal manager believes the midfielder's character will see him bounce back in style.

"He is a winner and strong mentally and when his back is to the wall he responds.”

“He is a tough boy. He is mentally okay, but he is down and is still disappointed for his country."

Gibbs' injury

Gibbs sidelined with fractured metatarsal

Kieran Gibbs has fractured the first metatarsal in his left foot and will be out for around three months.

The England Under-21 international suffered the injury during the latter stages of Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Standard Liege in the Champions League on Tuesday night. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday morning.

Before the confirmation of Gibbs' injury, Arsène Wenger had faced the media in his post-match press conference.

"Gibbs has a big hole in his leg," said the manager. "It was a very bad challenge by the No 22 and it was not his first try, unfortunately. It doesn't look good for Gibbs."

Wenger's worst fears were confirmed shortly afterwards following X-rays but the Frenchman was more positive about injuries suffered to William Gallas and Andrey Arshavin after the pair clashed in mid-air while challenging for a cross from Cesc Fabregas.

"Gallas has an ankle problem and a swollen eye," said Wenger. "I think he will recover for Sunday, we hope so. It wasn't concussion but he couldn't see anymore because his eye was swollen.

"Arshavin has some staples in his head. He will be available for Sunday."

Alex Song signs new long term contract with Arsenal

Alex Song signs new long-term contract

As confirmed on Tuesday night in Arsène Wenger’s post-match press conference, Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Alex Song has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.

Song (22), who joined Arsenal from French side Bastia in July 2006, is now a first team regular in the heart of the Club’s midfield, after enjoying his most productive and eye-catching season last campaign – playing 48 times in all competitions during 2008/09.

Alex (full name Alexandre Song Billong), who has also played often at centre-half for the Club, has now made a total of 96 appearances for Arsenal. Song is also an established Cameroon International, making a total of 15 appearances for his country, helping them qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, and next summer’s World Cup.

Song was named in the Africa Cup of Nations All Star Squad in 2008, when he helped Cameroon to the tournament’s final. He was also Arsenal’s only player at the 2008 Beijing Olympics Football Tournament.

Alex joins Eduardo and Sanchez Watt, who have both also signed long-term contract extensions with the Club in the past week.

Fabregas happy at Arsenal

Fabregas - I am happier than ever here

Cesc Fabregas says he is happier than ever at Arsenal.

Despite consistent rebuttals from the player himself, the Spaniard is still linked with a return to Barcelona and his name has even been dragged into the upcoming Presidential elections at the Nou Camp.

But, speaking ahead of Tuesday's game with Standard Liege, the midfielder gave all that little credence and once again painted a rosy picture at Emirates Stadium.

"It does not affect me at all because it's been going for years," he said. "To be honest I just don't think about it, I don't want to and I don't think I should because I'm at a great club and in a great team.

"I'm very happy where I am and there is very long season in front of us. The last thing I want to do is get disconnected from what I have to do which is to play football for my team and for the Club that pays me. I'm really looking forward to a great season with Arsenal."

The skipper was then asked if he would like to stay for the rest of his career.

"Why not?" he replied. "I have never thought about it. I'm only 22. You never know what your career will bring but why not? I'm in my seventh season now and I'm really happy, better than ever."

Fabregas also believes that his desire to win trophies can be satisfied too. Barca's relative success compared to Arsenal is sometimes cited as a reason for moving.

"We can achieve that here," said Fabregas in response to the question. "I have played some Finals, fought for Premier League titles.

"It's true that at the end of the season we have sometimes had some feeling that we haven't done it but I'm really happy with the way this club focuses on winning things and I'm sure we are more than capable of doing it this season."

The latest injury news!!!

Denilson and three others off injured list

It has been a difficult week for Arsenal on the injury front but, when Arsène Wenger spoke to Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon, he was finally able to report some good news.

The manager has scratched the names Lukasz Fabianski, Carlos Vela, Denilson and Armand Traore off his injured list. He also confirmed that, following nine weeks out with a back problem, the Brazilian midfielder would definitely make the trip to Sunderland on Saturday.

After the injuries collected by Robin Van Persie (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (foot) during the international break, this was just the boost Arsenal needed.

The Dutchman will be out for around six weeks while, according to Wenger, the Englishman has a chance to return against Standard Liege on Tuesday - both less time than was first feared. With the likes of Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott also close to fitness, you could argue that, while hardly idle, Arsenal’s medical team are much less troubled than they might have been.

“We have no news yet on Andrey Arshavin,” said Wenger around lunchtime, before the Russian had reported back from international duty, “but it looks like everyone else will be available.

“Theo Walcott (knee) is short for the weekend and so is Jack Wilshere (ankle). But Denilson is available and in the squad for the weekend game. Traore and Vela are both fit and available.

“Fabianski is available too. Bendtner (groin) is out for three more weeks and Diaby (calf) has a little chance for Chelsea.”

Gael Clichy (back) and Johan Djourou (knee) complete Arsenal’s injury list.

Van persie latest injury

Injured Van Persie ruled out for six weeks

Robin Van Persie was stretchered off during Holland's international friendly with Italy in Pescara on Saturday.

The Arsenal striker suffered ankle ligament damage after 10 minutes of the match when he landed awkwardly on his right ankle following a challenge from Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Following the care given to Van Persie by the Dutch FA, he will travel back to London this week and continue his treatment with the Arsenal medical team at London Colney.

Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks.

Eduardo signs new long-term contract with Arsenal

Eduardo signs new long-term contract

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.

Eduardo (26), who joined the Gunners from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb in July 2007, made an impressive start for Arsenal, scoring 12 goals from 22 First Team starts in his debut season with the Club.

The Croatian striker was also prolific during his early career with Dinamo Zagreb, where he netted 73 times in 111 appearances. This fine goal scoring form has been replicated at International level, where he has now scored 18 goals from his 28 international appearances, including a brace in Croatia's 5-0 friendly win over Liechtenstein at the weekend.

Since joining Arsenal, Eduardo (full name Eduardo Alves da Silva) has now made 48 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 18 goals and also showing huge courage and bravery to recover from a serious leg and ankle injury, which ruled him out of action for almost a year.

Eduardo overcame this adversity with great attitude and commitment, eventually returning to action by scoring two goals in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Cardiff City in February, completing a long journey to recovery for the striker.

Arsène Wenger said: "We're delighted that Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract with us. Eduardo is a special player with huge talent and natural goal scoring ability, and we're all so happy that he has committed his future to Arsenal Football Club.

"We have also seen in his come back from injury, Eduardo is a human being full of courage, bravery and commitment. His full recovery from this injury is a testament to Eduardo's character. We all look forward to enjoying Eduardo's performances in an Arsenal shirt for a long time to come."

Eduardo said: "I am very pleased to have signed a new long contract with the Club. I'm very happy and I hope to stay at Arsenal for as long as I can. This period is good for me now. I feel strong in my body and I feel ready to play 90 minutes every three days if it's needed.

"I went to Croatia last week and everybody was telling me Arsenal play the best football in Europe at the moment. I agree with that. We feel we are strong now this season and we're all going to give everything to win trophies."