Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Wenger rues Gallas absence

22 Mar 2007 - 10:09:04

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is adamant that the loss to injury of key defender William Gallas has been a major factor in his side's stuttering season.

The 28-year-old France international stopper was sidelined for three months between mid-November and mid-February and Wenger believes Gallas' absence hit his side hard.

He told the club's official website: "He was out for three months at a very important period of the season.

"For me he is very big player for us. Firstly because he is a winner and he is ready to die on the football pitch to win.

"Secondly, because he is good reader of the game, good tactically and can bring a lot to this team.

"He was very unsettled by his injury and he was desperate to play and come back. It was a big, big blow to him."

Meanwhile, Gunners goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has refused to be drawn on whether he will accept the new one-year contract on offer from Wenger for next season.

He told reporters: "I have to make a decision at some point but there is no fixed date.

"I don't want to say anything about it. I'm linked with a new club every week, while everybody knows I am also happy at Arsenal."