Antonio Valencia could be back
for Arsenal
Stuart Mathieson
March 10, 2011
Antonio Valencia could end his six-
month injury torment by being
plunged into Manchester
United ’s FA Cup TV blockbuster
with Arsenal.
The Ecuadorian winger is on
stand-by as Reds boss Sir Alex
Ferguson assesses his squad in
the light of the two tough away
matches at Chelsea and Liverpool
and the cup game with the
Gunners being sandwiched
between next Tuesday ’s vital
Champions League last-16
second-leg against Marseille.
With that Euro tie poised
delicately at 0-0 Fergie will be
keen to give some of his stars a
breather after the recent
disappointing gruellers.
The last of those matches at
Liverpool last Sunday has cost
the Reds the services of winger
Nani.
X-rated
The X-rated challenge by Jamie
Carragher inflicted a long and
deep gash that went down to
the bone on the Portuguese
international ’s leg.
The Reds will probably have to
wait and see how the wound is
healing before they can put a
more accurate timeline on his
absence.
However, a month on the
sidelines at least is expected for
Nani following the injury. It leaves
Fergie desperately needing some
more experienced width.
Though he has the services of
Ryan Giggs, the younger element
of Gabriel Obertan and Bebe
haven ’t shone when handed
their opportunities.
Both the youngsters played in
the poor effort against non-
league side Crawley Town in the
last round of the competition.
Asking the pair, who have not
played in the seniors since, to
step up for a match of the
magnitude of the Arsenal clash
could be asking too much.
So it puts Valencia in the frame
to be selected for the wide right
berth.
The winger has been absent for
the last 37 matches since his
horrific ankle break last
September against Rangers at
Old Trafford in the Champions
League. Valencia played in a
specially arranged behind closed
doors match on Monday at
Carrington and has been training
again with the first team.
The fact he wasn’t, however,
chosen for the reserves on
Wednesday night in their game
against Blackpool suggests Fergie
could be thinking of handing him a
cup comeback.
Should United gamble in Valencia,
or be more cautious? Have your
say.
February 05, 2010, 12:35:11 AM