As if it was not bad enough at SAFC, now we get injuries to players we own, who dont play for us. Laughable realy. http://www.thenational.ae/featured-...le-list/al-ain-face-a-tough-time-without-gyan Al Ain face a tough time without Gyan ABU DHABI // Al Ain have kept Asamoah Gyan's injury confidential. The Ghana international pulled up after chasing a through pass and then left the pitch after 30 minutes of the 4-0 demolition of Emirates in the Pro League on Friday. "We are not in a position to reveal any details on the extent of Gyan's injury as we are still waiting for an official word from the team physician," said a spokesman for the club. Gyan is doubtful for Al Ain's next two games, against Al Shabab in the league on Wednesday, and the President's Cup quarter-finals with Baniyas five days later. Al Ain's next league game is against Ajman on January 14, and even if Gyan returns to full fitness, he may not be available as he is scheduled to join his national team for the African Cup of Nations from January 21 to February 10. Cosmin Olaroiu, the Al Ain coach, said he had a race against time to prepare for an important game ahead. "We have just four days to prepare with whatever available combination we are left with," the Romanian said. "Whatever the situation on Gyan and the rest of the injured players, we will go into this game with a very positive frame of mind. "Shabab have proved to be one of the strongest teams and they are now in second position. "They will also have the home advantage. However, with our determination and team spirit, we hope to play a strong game and return with another good result." Al Ain are the only unbeaten team in the league and they are now five points clear at the top after nine games of the 22 to be played. Yasser Al Qahtani, the Saudi Arabia forward who has not played for more than a month after a leg injury, is expected to return. "Yasser was ready for our last game but I preferred not to take any risk and left him out against Emirates," said Cosmin, hinting the player's return against Shabab on Wednesday. Ali Al Wehaibi, the UAE international wing attack, will also return after being left out from the last game while Waleed Salem, the captain and goalkeeper, is recovering from the injury head injury he sustained in the 3-1 win over Al Jazira two weeks ago. "Al Wehaibi had a busy two months, playing for both the national team and the club," said Olaroiu. "He was exhausted and we gave him a break. I am not too sure of Waleed. We have four days and we'll see if he is fit to take his place in the line-up." Meanwhile, Emirates are close to signing Lutfi Benzarti, the former coach of Baniyas. "We are in talks with him but haven't finished the deal yet," said Saif Mohammed bin Saif, the team manager of the Ras Al Khaimah club. "Our performance has not reached the same high level of the other teams. But we haven't given up hope and are looking forward to the January transfer window for some new players and hopefully a new coach."
As long as he's fit for the ACN, it'll do for us, Bill. I mean, it's o.k. seeing our player enjoying his football, getting fit, getting rich (why not?) getting into the habit of hitting the net again, and generally pulling out of the depressed state he was in last August. I'm genuinely pleased to see how all that's going. But the UAE league doesn't tell us how he'll shape up against Prem opposition, does it? That's why the 2012 ACN is very useful to us - we'll see him against some top line players there. Get well soon, Asamoah. MON (and us) need to see you in Africa.
I actually dont think he will ever pull another Sunderland shirt on, but if proved wrong and I hope so, It will be down to Saint Martins [ syd dubbed him ] smooth talking, and common sense, not holding breath though.
Lots of money in the balmy desert, can't really blame him. Have him back in a second tho. Hope he stays healthy. Bill, happy new year, hope 2012 is a good one. As for 2011, well, suck it!
Well listen Bill/Wrath, it doesn't matter. If he's leaving, we need to assess his value. If he's coming back, it would be nice to see how he's doing with top class opposition. Either way, let's enjoy the ACN, eh?
Id rather watch that than the olympics. only like the gymnastics and the closing ceremony, still each to his own, and my MRS hates any sports programs, so when I get up today and switch the tv on for the football, she WILL leave the room,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,BLISS.
Yeah, I agree about the Olympics. The last one I liked was 1988 in Seoul - d'you remember Florence Griffith Joyner (FloJo)? Boy, could that girl light a stadium up. I'm looking forward to Ghana's ACN games though - I think they're a very attractive side to watch, and frankly hope they win it. And, as I said, there's something we need to know. But Flojo had better thighs!
Yeah, that question died with her. We'll never know I guess. But she was just one of those people who could walk into a stadium and all eyes turned her way. And boy, could she run!
Bit like my missus, but for opposite reasons, she can clear a pub quicker than fifty bouncers. not that shes bad looking, just got a face a dog wouldnt lick.
