Arsenal have injury concerns ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester United. Manager Arsene Wenger will be watching training with interest over the next couple of days and crossing his fingers that no more of his defence succumb to problems.

 

William Gallas and Gael Clichy have been joined on the treatment table by Mikael Silvestre who was substituted at the half-way mark of the Gunners win over Middlesbrough with a back problem. The former Manchester United defender is now rated only 50-50 to face his former team and Wenger may be forced to turn to Alex Song to partner Kolo Toure if Johan Djourou also suffers an adverse reaction to his comeback appearance.

Emmanuel Adebayor should be fit after also returning to action against Boro but Robin van Persie will definitely miss the game due to a groin strain. Cesc Fabregas came through a few tough challenges in Sunday’s match - a relief to Wenger after the Spaniard missed a big part of the season through injury - and should take his place in midfield . Do not be surprised if training at Arsenal is representative of a non contact sport during the next forty eight hours.