Frank Lampard and Drogba will miss the big game on the 29th.
Arsenal v Chelsea is a game neither side can afford to lose and the absence of those goalscorers will make it harder for Carlo Ancelotti’s league leaders.
A scan by Chelsea revealed bruising on Drogba, following that X-certificate studs-first assault by Jonny Evans. Oddly, an X-ray by Ivory Coast doctors revealed a broken rib which will put the striker out for at least three weeks.
In Doha, Lampard tore a thigh muscle while sprinting in England’s first training session. John Terry has an ankle injury and may also miss tonight’s friendly against Brazil in the Qatar capital. Can Upson and Lescott contain Luis Fabiano and Kaka ? Not if they are trying. I love Rooney but expect England to score nil in Capello’s 20th game. It’s the first friendly we’ve ever played on neutral soil.
Those injuries are bad news for Chelsea, good news for lucky Arsenal. But it’s still a tough game and any footballer can get injured on any day between now and then.
Wenger will hope Robin van Persie is fit after Holland’s game with Italy (7.45pm). He needs RVP for Sunderland, Standard Liege and Chelsea.
Cesc Fabregas will feature in Spain’s friendly against Argentina in Madrid at 9pm
Tonight’s Republic of Ireland v France is followed by France v Ireland in Paris on Wednesday.
Ireland have a workmanlike team and a great manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, while France have far superior players and an unpopular manager, Raymond Domenech. Duff and Keane were electric in 2002 but France seven year down the line is a big ask. Still, it’s possible.
Arshavin’s Russia should beat Slovenia in a low-scoring game in Moscow at 4pm. Guus Hiddink knows what he is doing. Few goals, though. If Russia fail, Hiddink could come to a London club.
The World Cup is 32 teams and this week will see the final nine qualify.
Bosnia may become the new Croatia, coached by the crafty Miroslav Blazevic, who guided Croatia to third place in 1998.They can beat Portugal if they snuff out Simao in the 9.30pm kick-off in Lisbon.