Is anyone else a little baffled about the amount of injuries we seem to have gathered in the past week or so? I've tried to watch/follow the friendlies we've had over the summer. I have to say from the info that's been forthcoming, or the video footage I've seen, the injury list doesn't seem to be in keeping with what's happened in the games. Is their something I've missed? I know Benny is behind the rest, and was being eased back in, getting 45 minutes against Hartlepool. Now apart from looking rusty, there was no mention of a knee injury. Which is now what Pardew is saying will keep him out of the Spurs game. Then there's the two Demba's who were last spotted at Den Haag. What's happened since then, for them not to be considered for the past few games? Cheick has a calf problem - does he? Cabaye has been conspicuous by his absence. Last spotted playing against Braga, he hasn't been seen for dust since. Coloccini is taken off with a troublesome hamstring injury against Cardiff, but then will still be joining up with Argentina. That doesn't quite seem like a great way to prepare for the opening game. Am I the only one who finds this injury list a tad strange? Is Pardew being cute about things, or are they as bad as they seem? If they are, that's half our starting line-up looking a doubt for Spurs.
I find it odd that there are players who may have to play for their countries dropping down like flies. Bet they play on Saturday though.
Thought the new fitness / training regime was supposed to cut down on strains and things. Not looking so very good at the moment. Maybe bring Len Hepple in?
Well, this is kind of what I've been thinking/hoping. The Cabaye situation still seems strange. He's adamant that he's available to play on Saturday, but hasn't been available to work on his match fitness in the friendlies. Hopefully there's nothing that's being withheld, but you can't help but think we're not getting the full story.
I've also been concerend - especially with Cabaye + HBA not getting much game time in pre-season. But now there are injuries too, it's looking a bit worrying.
The problem we faced last season was that when we had a couple of key faces missing the team went to pot. This summer was meant to sort this out but nothing seems to have happened. Starting the season with a win and putting a decent run together is key in the EPL and it seems Ashley and Pardew are more concerned about saving a few quid by pushing the transfers to the back of the window. I hope the injuries are all 'worst case' and that we might see at least one of them back for Saturday. As for Ba... I wished we off loaded him in the summer TBH
Good to see you posting sensible stuff Ben Arfa/football genius etc.... Play fair and we will all get on.
HBA and Cabaye had a shorter break due to the Euros, so I wouldn't be concerned about missing somr friendlies, which will give other players the chance to play.
