Source: Team_Talk
Wenger plays down Gibbs hopes
Gibbs was last month ruled out for the rest of the campaign after undergoing surgery on the foot he injured during a Champions League match against Standard Liege in November.[LNB]The 20-year-old has made good progress in his recovery and Wenger admitted there was an outside chance he could play again this season.[LNB]With Ashley Cole sidelined by a serious ankle injury and Wayne Bridge announcing on Thursday he does not wish to be chosen for Three Lions duty, England's left-back jersey at the World Cup appears up for grabs.[LNB]Wenger doubts, however, that Gibbs will be a contender for the role.[LNB]"There is a chance he will be back (before the end of the season), if all goes well," the Frenchman said.[LNB]"But I can't give you any date for his return to football and it's very premature at the moment.[LNB]"He is still in a little cast and we are near the beginning of March."[LNB]Wenger does see Gibbs, who has impressed on England Under-21 duty, as a great prospect for the future and reckons he will soon make the national team's senior squad.[LNB]"I think he will one day play for the national team. I am convinced of that," Wenger added.[LNB]Gibbs will be one of a raft of players missing for Wenger when the Gunners take on Stoke on Saturday, with Abou Diaby, William Gallas, Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin also out.[LNB]Croatia striker Eduardo could feature after recovering from a hamstring injury as Wenger eyes a victory that would keep his team in Premier League title contention.[LNB]"The title race will be very tight," Wenger said.[LNB]"If you consider that the only chance we have is if we win our games, that is what we have to do.[LNB]"On Saturday, we have to be up for it."[LNB][LNB] Stoke v Arsenal. Click here to bet.
