So then, sixteen players from our first team squad are on international duty this week. Well, now that number is fifteen as news broke that Jack Wilshere is the first casualty of this farcical week.

Arsenal confirmed yesterday the Wilshere did not train with the England squad and returned to his club. Details of his injury are yet to be confirmed.

So that leaves Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs on England duty tonight as they face a France side which includes Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Sami Nasri. The battle between Clichy and Walcott could be fun, poor Clichy!

The first friendly involving an Arsenal player took place last night as Henri Lansbury turned out for the England under 21s. Not the ideal game for Lansbury, they lost 2-0 to Germany but poor Lansbury found himself in goal for the last half an hour. Having been bought on at half-time, goal-keeper Jason Steele was sent off and Germany were subsequently awarded a penalty. Yep, you guessed it, Lansbury’s first task was to pick the ball out the back of the net! That was the only goal he conceded and went on to make a few good saves including a point-blank header and a six yard volley.

The other fourteen of our players are on duty tonight, my fingers and toes will be crossed that we receive no more bad news relating to injuries, we have a little derby at the weekend…

Talking of injuries, what rotten news for the Chavs? Just after finding out John β€˜Thomas’ Terry could be out for months due to a nerve problem, poor old Alex suffers an injury too which could keep him out of the game for up to eight weeks… Oh dear, oh dear….

Anyway, back to us. Sir Bobby Pires is staying in England and Aston Villa have secured his services. I chuffed for him and glad it’s Houllier and Aston Villa he’ll be playing for too. Personally, I can’t wait to see him playing again in England, he might be getting on a bit but I bet the magic is still in his game.

As Bobby joins Villa, reports are that Ashley Young doesn’t want to sign a new contract and is looking for a move in January to us, the team he’s supported since a kid. He wants silverware and believes he could help Arsenal to win some again. Could be an interesting one but one his father no doubt would try and stop as he supports the Tiny Totts! Young’s contract is not up until the summer of 2012 so he’ll cost a lot of money.

Too much for us no doubt……..

That’s it for today, have a good one