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Arshavin ruled out of City clash after inflaming injury
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The Russian will be missed. Photo GettyImages
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Andrei Arshavin has been ruled out of Arsenal's games against
Manchester City and Standard Liege with a groin injury after aggravating
the problem playing for Russia against Wales.
The Russian risked the anger of Arsene Wenger by returning from injury
to play for his country - having been forced to miss the victory over
Liechtenstein in the World Cup qualifying match on Saturday - and it has
come at a price after playing the full 90 minutes in Cardiff.
The forward has been troubled by a groin problem and has now inflamed
his previous injury, which will not please Wenger who is known to be unhappy
with his stars playing international fixtures after several, such as Robin
van Persie and Johan Djourou, were injured while on national duty.
Wenger said: ''All the players are not back yet, so we have to wait a
bit to see what damage has been done by the international games.
''We lost Arshavin, who played with Russia last night and should not have
played. He will be out for Saturday, for Wednesday and certainly as well
for Wigan. I took him out at Manchester United because of a groin problem.
''He did not play in Russia's first game, but played last night against
Wales. He should not have played and is injured. You can say a lot about
it, but it does not do a lot.''
Guus Hiddink, the Russia coach, apparently allowed Arshavin to decide
himself whether he was fit to play in the group four match at the Millennium
Stadium, having said: "If [Arshavin] cannot play, then he won't play.
His improvement has been significant but he doesn't take stupid risks."
With a mammoth clash against unbeaten City at Eastlands on Saturday, before
starting their UEFA Champions League group campaign in Liege on Wednesday,
Wenger may disagree - although may have a fitness boost in the shape of
Tomas Rosicky, who played for the Czech Republic against San Marino.
Soccernet.espn.go.com,
September 10, 2009
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