News has filtered in that Kieran Gibbs, the guy who’s covering the other left back out crocked, is now out crocked. YoungGuns was one of the first to break the news that Gibbs had been injured just 21 minutes into an England U-21 match against Lithuania U-21s. I mean, really.

So now we need to find another guy who will cover the guy crocked covering the other left back out crocked. Not a simple task!

Of the players we have who can play left back, two of them are out of the question – Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas. Both can play there, and quite well, but would you really want to break up that partnership at centreback?

Football is a game of partnerships, as they say, so I (and Wenger, I’m sure) will be thoroughly against that sort of swap-around. Similarly, it would not make sense to shift out Sagna to a position he’s unsure of and leave our second-best right back, Eboue, in his place. Nor would it be fair on Eboue to leave him on the left after what happened at Wigan last season.

So that leaves Mikael Silvestre and Armand Troare. Mr Not-so-popular versus All-potential-and-no-end-product.

Armand Troare is listed on Arsenal’s injury list, but that is slightly misleading. In it, Wenger mentions he was ’short’ for the Wolves game, but technically that means you’re not injured. Just lacking fitness. By now, after a lengthy break and some fitness training, Armand should be fit and ready for a starting berth if the manager is that way inclined.

Except, I have my doubts that Wenger will choose Traore. If it comes down to experience and game time, Silvestre is the clear favourite. Not only has the former Man United player started both Carling Cup matches this season, he’s played the whole ninety minutes for both.

Factor that against Traore who has been a relative no-show this season, having only received places in left-midfield and sub roles below the ever impressive Gibbs.

And having played alongside William Gallas for a lengthy spell last season, Silvestre makes more sense playing in the backline alongside Gallas and his terrific partnership with Vermaelen.

I’m not saying that it’s by far the best or more ideal situation. That’s where there’s room for debate. But I think they are big enough reasons to go with Le Fish than there are in Traore’s favour.

What are the cons to having Silvestre over Traore? Pace, for one thing. While I can accept Silvestre’s defensive aspects, it’s when we’re going forward that I’d rather have Traore.

I’m not a fan of the boy’s crossing. At times it can be extremely erratic, from what I’ve seen. But his pace and first touch might be a better bet than Silvestre’s, despite his being schooled by the Mancs. It’s a toughie. But I think that experience will win the day.

In other news, ol’ gorgeous himself, Robert Pires, gives his thoughts on Arsenal’s growing November-itis. The marauding Gaul says:

“Teams that suffer a lot of problems during these months often miss out on winning the league. You play a lot of games, it’s difficult and it tests the squad. But for me, this is a big chance for players like Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin to be even more important and help Arsenal maintain their strong start.

Arshavin is playing so well and the speed of Walcott can damage and hurt a lot of opponents. Arsene Wenger always has a strategy and ideas to overcome problems in the squad and missing players.”

And that’s all we can do in the end; back the manager. We have the depth to cope with van Persie’s loss and Gibbs’ absence. If it were at centreback or Alex Song’s position, then we can start putting the paper bags over our heads.

Speaking of van Persie, the credibility of the whole placenta treatment has gotten some airtime, with the mysterious “Dr Crippen!” questioning the whole fluid deal in the Guardian, while The Mail claims a host of players currently running around for Liverpool and Man City have tried out the same treatment themselves. I guess when you’re desperate, you’re desperate?

Otherwise, one of Stan Kroenke’s sidekicks has criticised the ‘Silent Stan’ nickname often slapped on Arsenal’s biggest shareholder, while Sagna has dashed rumours linking him to Juventus. Like we ever doubted you, Bac.

And of course, if you’re a fan of cute fluffy creatures, look no further than the lion, the shark and the owl. Hmmm. It’s for charity, guys.

Silvestre or Traore? Name your pick in the comments.

Filed under: Arsenal