Gilberto will miss out in Arsenal’s New Year’s Day’s game against West Ham United. According to Vital Arsenal, he has the flu:
Gilberto Silva will also miss out. The midfielder has returned to training but is still short after suffering from flu.
And that’s that. Get well soon, Bert.
Gilberto has been spending his Christmas sitting on the bench for Arsenal. His efforts to break back into the Arsenal team haven’t yet come to fruition – but while he keeps working hard in training, he has taken some time out to visit the local Royal Free hospital. Here’s what The Camden New Journal said on the story:
Gunners stars drop in on Royal Free kids
ARSENAL football stars brought festive joy to the Royal Free Hospital during a Âsurprise visit to the children’s ward.
Fresh off the field from scoring the Âwinning goal against Chelsea, a triumphant William Gallas was accompanied by ÂMathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb, Jens Lehmann, Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto to hand out presents to the star-struck kids.
Gallas, who lives in Hampstead said: “We have had a wonderful afternoon.
“It is not easy for children to be in Âhospital so it is Âimportant for us to come here and give them some happiness at Christmas time.
“It is very difficult for parents with Âchildren in hospital, too. I know this from personal experience because my son was born prematurely.
“I hope everyone enjoyed our visit.â€
The story was originally published here: http://www.thecnj.co.uk/camden/2007/122707/news122707_19.html
– and it also features a photograph with Gilberto, Flamini and Adebayor with a kid in the hospital.
Well done to the boys at Arsenal (and especially Gilberto, who was no doubt the kiddies favourite player). Now get back to training, Bert, and get back into that Arsenal team!
My Merry Christmas wishes this year go to:
-You
-All Gilberto fans
-Gilberto
-All future Gilberto fans
-All non Gilberto fans
-All people who are not Gilberto
-Myself
I think that just about covers it.
GILBERTO WILL FIGHT FOR PLACE
Veteran midfielder Gilberto insists he is determined to take any chance that comes his way after admitting he is keen to stay at Arsenal.
The Brazilian made what was only his fourth Premier League start of the campaign at St James’ Park.
Gilberto, 31, has been linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium during the transfer window, but is determined to make the most of whatever chances come his way.
“It is nice to get a chance to play a full game but of course I am doing the best I can to get back in the team,” Gilberto told the club’s official website.
“I will see what happens but of course I want to play in the first XI and I will do my best to achieve that.”
The 2002 World Cup winner added: “A big squad is important. At the moment we have a few injuries, but we have other players who can do a great job.
“The manager needs to change the team in some positions but we keep the same spirit and the same way of playing.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has indicated he may consider dipping into the transfer market to strengthen the squad next month.
However, he’s not revealed which particular position he would look to bring in cover.
Both Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue will be away at the African Nations Cup, so Johan Djourou could be recalled from his loan spell at Birmingham.
Reports in Africa, though, suggest the French coach may be ready to move for Congo striker Tresor Mputu, who impressed during a recent trail spell at London Colney.
Well done, Gilberto. Fight! Fight! Fight!