Source: Telegraph
Arsenal defender Gaël Clichy out with stress fracture in back
Manager Arsene Wenger will receive further news on the severity of the injury later today, but Clichy will definitely join Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Theo Walcott (knee) in missing Wednesday's Champions League match against AZ Alkmaar [LNB]'We have lost Gael Clichy with a back injury - it was not expected,' said Wenger. 'It looks like he could be out for a while. We fear a stress fracture of the back for Clichy. If so, he will be out for a few weeks. Bendtner is quite seriously injured - he will be out for at least four weeks.' [LNB] Related ArticlesKroenke increases Arsenal stake to 29.6 per centGibbs wants to prove Arsenal worth firstWenger faces goalkeeping dilemmaEmmanuel Eboue: I would like to play for PSGThe Daily Bung: not 'even' close, RobbieVan Persie 'a mix of Henry and Bergkamp'The absence of Clichy will provide Kieran Gibbs with a further opportunity at left-back, while Manuel Almunia will continue in goal in place of Vito Mannone. Wenger had been hoping to rotate Gibbs and Clichy over the coming weeks. [LNB]'It is a blow, I was very comfortable until now to rest Clichy when needed and play Gibbs when needed,' he said. 'Now suddenly it's a huge stress on Gibbs to play every game. [LNB]"Capello and England will be happy, they want him to play. I have no doubt about the quality of Gibbs and have come out many times on that.' [LNB]Off the pitch, Arsenal are also digesting news that billionaire investor Stan Kroenke has again upped his stake and now owns 29.6 per cent of shares; just a fraction short of the 29.9 per cent that would require him to launch a full takeover. [LNB]'Inside the club on a daily basis it doesn't change anything,' said Wenger. [LNB]'I have a vision of the club on a technical level; as long as no one interferes with that I don't see what kind of impact that has on me. [LNB]"I know the rules, if he has 30 per cent he makes a bid for the club, he flirts with the 30 per cent, he is not there. I don't know his intentions, I have never spoken to him about it. [LNB]'I believe I have shown I can manage the club on the technical side, I have that guarantee at the club no matter who will be the owner.' [LNB]
