Clichy fit for Hull, Silvestre also available


Gael Clichy should be fit to return to the Arsenal side for the visit of Hull City on Saturday. bluebang

The French full back went to hospital last weekend during the second half of the 3-1 win at Bolton. It followed a heavy challenge by Kevin Davies just before the break.

Fortunately tests revealed only bruising to his shin. He has missed training all week but returned on Thursday. Straight afterwards, Arsène Wenger spoke to Arsenal TV Online.

“I am really pleased that Gael is available,” said the manager. “He had a training session today for the first time and he should develop well in the next 48 hours.”

Another French defender, Mikael Silvestre, will also be available for the first time following his move from Manchester United.

Despite the success of his 'Carling Cup kids’, Wenger will return to his established squad on Saturday. Alex Song is the only doubt.

“Alex has a fitness test tomorrow,” said the manager. “He had a kick on his hip [in midweek] and it is very tender.

“However Mikael Silvestre is available and we did not have any injuries from last week [against Bolton]. The likes of Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott have recovered fully so everyone is available.”

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Arsenal TV Online subscribers can see the full interview on Friday morning. In it, he talks about: the Carling Cup performance, Jack Wilshere’s display, what he can learn from Theo Walcott, Vela becoming Arsenal’s fifth international striker, the background of the youth set-up, the psychology of being top in the Premier League, the start Hull have made and the foundations they have put down.