Friday, October 12, 2007

Arsenal Internationals: Who's Playing Where

Gael Clichy, Abou Diaby, Mathieu Flamini, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna - Five Arsenal players have been selected to play for France in important qualifying fixtures against the Faroe Islands on October 13th and Lithuania on October 17th. Flamini received his first call-up to the national side, thanks in large part to his impressive club form of late. This is also Clichy's first call-up to the senior national team, but the young left-back is unlikely to feature. Gallas and Sagna both missed the last round of internationals due to injury, but Sagna has been playing for the club recently and Gallas has also returned to club training, making it likely that both will play during the international break.

Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure - Arsenal center-back Kolo Toure and right-back Emmanuel Eboue have both been called up to play in the Ivory Coast's October 17th friendly against Austria.

Emmanuel Adebayor - Prolific striker Emmanuel Adebayor will travel to play with Togo against Mali on October 12th. Togo's hopes may rest on the head of Adebayor, who is currently the Premier League's top scorer.

Nicklas Bendtner - The 19 year-old Dane has been selected to represent his country against teammate Cesc Fabregas' Spain on the 13th and Latvia on the 17th.

Eduardo - The Brazilian-born Croat has been selected to play for Croatia against Israel and Slovakia on the 13th and 16th respectively. However, he is unlikely to feature due to a groin strain. He is, though, likely to be back in time for Arsenal's Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers next weekend.

Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal's in-form midfield maestro will take on teammate Nicklas Bendtner in Spain's match against Denmark on October 13, after which he will travel to Finland to take on the Finnish national team.

Gilberto - Arsenal's out-of-favor holding midfielder was still called up to Dunga's Brazil team for their matches against Colombia and Ecuador on the 14th and 17th of this month. The Brazil captain is likely to start for his home country, despite the fact that he has been sitting on the bench lately at the club.

Alex Hleb - Balarussian midfielder Alex Hleb will feature for his country against Luxembourg and Israel on the 13th and 17th, and will hope that his recent scoring touch with Arsenal will break through into his national game.

Jens Lehmann - Under pressure goalkeeper Jens Lehmann will make his return from injury for Germany against the Republic of Ireland on October 13th, before facing Tomas Rosicky's Czech side on the 17th. The goalie will be hoping for two impressive performances to keep Manuel Almunia out of the Arsenal goal.

Tomas Rosicky - Tomas Rosicky will do his best to prevent Jens Lehmann from registering a clean sheet as he plays for the Czech Republic against Germany on the 17th.

Phillipe Senderos - The Swiss defender, who has been standing in for the injured William Gallas at Arsenal lately, has been called up to face Austria and the USA in two friendlies on the 13th and 17th of October.

Robin van Persie - Robin van Persie is set to return to Romania and play against Slovenia as the Netherlands attempt to qualify for the 2008 European Championships. The Dutchman, who has been forming a great partnership with Emmanuel Adebayor will hope to aid his country in the qualification process.

Theo Walcott - Arsenal's only British player was called up to represent the England U21's, who are set to face Montenegro and the Republic of Ireland on October 12 and 16 respectively.