Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal keeper Almunia set for derby comeback as Mannone sits it out
Arsene Wenger is expected to recall goalkeeper Manuel Almunia for tomorrow's derby against Tottenham after learning Lukasz Fabianski will be out for three weeks.[LNB]Almunia has not played since Arsenal's 4-2 defeat at Manchester City in mid-September when he opened the scoring with an own goal. [LNB]The Spaniard, 32, missed the next six games with a chest infection and was then kept on the bench as Wenger showed faith in rookie Vito Mannone. [LNB]Mannone, 21, made mistakes but produced an outstanding performance in a 1-0 win at Fulham which earned him an extended run in the team. [LNB]But his fumble against West Ham on Sunday, when he spilled the ball to Carlton Cole, who scored to spark a fightback which earned a 2-2 draw, may prove the signal for Wenger to make a change.[LNB] [LNB] Reinstated: Manuel Almunia is set for a comeback after a chest complaint[LNB]Fabianski, who came back after knee surgery to make his firstappearance of the season in the Carling Cup against Liverpool onWednesday, would have been in competition with Almunia and Mannone butthe 24-year-old Pole suffered a thigh injury on his return.[LNB]'He will be out for three weeks and it is a big disappointmentbecause he just came back from injury,' said Wenger, who also confirmedinjury will rule Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Denilson and JackWilshere out of the game against Tottenham.[LNB]Samir Nasri survived his first game since breaking a leg inpre-season unscathed. Nasri played for 90 minutes against Liverpool andsaid: 'After five months without playing, I had appetite. I wanted to'eat the pitch', to touch the ball. Now I need to playagain and again.'[LNB] Helpless: Vito Mannone cannot save Alessandro Diamanti's penalty last Sunday[LNB]The sides are level on 19 points going into the game, with Tottenhamplayers insisting they are finally ready to match their neighbours in ascrap for a Champions League place. [LNB]Robbie Keane said Harry Redknapp's team could match the Gunners 'man for man' and had more strength in depth. [LNB]It is a sentiment echoed by goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, even thoughRedknapp is without key trio Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and LukaModric. 'We can finish above Arsenal this season,' said the Brazilian.[LNB] Greatest Arsenal v Tottenham matches remembered: We reveal four of the bestRobbie Keane likes sub-plot as star says Spurs ARE overtaking ArsenalARSENAL FC
