Rosicky returns but no news on Mr Nine percent

Arsenal's win record with Fabregas playing is 59%, without him its 50%. At the time of writing Arsenal fans are still huddling in the cold outside the Kremlin gates in the hope of a communiqué from the great Lord Wenger. Maybe it's so secret that even Pat Rice doesn't know what the injury news is.

Maybe Fab's scan has been delayed due to a lack of AA batteries and the fact that the local newsagent was shut. Maybe the webmaster is on leave, or that Silvestre's ambitions for when he is 65 have priority (Yes I know it's claimed that the scan has been delayed for medical reasons, but you won't find that on Arsenal.com).

 

It is unlikely that whatever the result of the scan that Wenger will be playing Cesc this week and concerns about Cesc shouldn't undermine preparation for Portsmouth; a team that wins 25% of its games whether the players are paid or not, or, come to that, who plays.

 

This is a match Arsenal should win comfortably, but it will be similar situation to Burnley, not in terms of a team with a brilliant home record, they have lost five at home already and only won one. No, I mean a cramped ground with good noisy supporters.

 

Pompey fortunes have also improved with the arrival of Avram Grant as manager. Indeed Grant has had quite an immediate impact with a victory over Liverpool, and very unlucky to lose to lose by one goal in three at Stamford Bridge.

 

Meanwhile Arsenal's injury list has barely changed, only Rosicky could possibly return this week, the rest are weeks off. The good news is that apart from Fabregas and Denilson there are no new injuries.

 

This could be an opportunity for Ramsey to work with Song and Diaby in a first class line up. If Ramsey doesn't make it now with Denilson and Fabregas out you would have to wonder when he will.