Gallas and Sagna to be back in time for Tottenham clash

Arsenal captain William Gallas has stated that he is hoping to be fit in time for Saturday's derby against London arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The French international missed our last 2 games due to a groin injury but his recovery is going well and he is likely to return for Saturday.

Gallas' return will be welcome by Arsenal fans, as we have played the last few games with a makeshift back line, and would have had to play Gilberto as a central defender again next week. Philippe Senderos will miss the game due to a red card against Portsmouth and Johann Djourou was loaned out to Birmingham by Arsene Wenger, leaving us with only light cover in the central defense.

Even with new signings Bacary Sagna and Lassana Diarra we haven't had enough cover in the back line and ended the Portsmouth game with Gilberto and Flamini playing in defense after Senderos' red card and an injury to Sagna.

Sagna is also likely to return in time for the Tottenham clash, as is Jens Lehmann who may or may not start the game over Manuel Almunia. This should come as good news to a defense which had not conceded many goals, but had given up far too many chances.