Nasri returns to training

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has reportedly given Arsenal a major boost in terms of fitness by returning to training.

The Frenchman underwent a knee surgery about a fortnight ago, and was expected to be sidelined for about four weeks.

This Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had previously confirmed that the midfielder was recovering quicker than expected, and now Tabloid report that the 23-year-old has returned to training.

It is believed that Nasri is hoping to regain full fitness during the international break to be fit in time for Bolton Wanderers' visit to the Emirates Stadium next Saturday.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are still without strikers Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie, who are out with groin and ankle injuries respectively.

From arsenalfcweb.co.uk

Merson: Arsenal should have signed Given

Former Arsenal man Paul Merson believes Arsène Wenger should have made more of an effort to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

The Gunners were linked with a new 'keeper throughout the transfer window, particularly Fulham's Mark Schwarzer and Man City's Shay Given.

Merson, who made 327 appearances for Arsenal, told SkySports that although Schwarzer was perhaps not the answer, he would have liked to have seen an improvement on current first choice 'keeper Almunia.

He believed Given to be the answer, saying: "I played with Mark Schwarzer and he's a good goalie, but I don't know if he's that much better than Manuel Almunia.

"He has played for Middlesbrough and Fulham, but playing for Arsenal is a different kettle of fish.

"For me, Arsenal should have broken the bank and got Shay Given because he would save you 10 points per season. I'm not sure of the other two would do that. If Arsenal signed Given, they would have had every chance of winning the league."

A deadline day move that DID happen saw former Gunners winger Alex Hleb make a surprise move from Barcelona to Birmingham City, and Merse believes the Belarussian would still be good enough for Arsenal's first team.

He said: "He was one of the best players at Arsenal in his last season there and at times he was a different class. He could still play for Arsenal and he'll be an absolutely brilliant buy for Birmingham.

"He's a proper footballer who can play on the wing, but he comes inside and he's so hard to pick up."

From arsenal-mania.com

Bendtner prepares for “big step forward” next week

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has begun his well-awaited return from injury by taking part in running exercises at London Colney, and the Dane admitted that he faces “a huge step forward” next week as he trains with the ball for the first time in 3 months.

The 22-year-old feels that his troublesome groin problem has finally gone away, while his comments also rubbish reports from the Danish FA which suggested that Bendtner had aggravated the injury.

My basic form is now fully in place, and I have started to sprint. Next week I’ll try to train with the ball and it will be a huge step forward,” Bendtner told Sporten.dk.

He started up front in all three of Denmark’s World Cup group games, scoring in the 2-1 win over Cameroon, as the 1992 European champions missed out on a place in the last 16.

However, the injury flared up again, meaning Bendtner is likely to be out until mid-October at the earliest.

Leave your thoughts on Bendtner’s possible return in the comments section below.


From goonertalk.com