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Struggling Tomas Rosicky might never play at Arsenal again
James Olley24.04.09
Tomas Rosicky's future at Arsenal is in serious doubt after the winger was ruled out for the remainder of the season. The 28-year-old has not played since January 2008 when suffering what was originally diagnosed as a hamstring problem in an FA Cup fourth-round match against Newcastle.
Doctors have been baffled by the mysterious injury as the 28-year-old Czech international has since undergone two knee operations in May and November last year.
But Standard Sport understands there is a feeling in certain quarters of the club that Rosicky may never play for Arsenal again, especially given the explosive start fellow winger Andrey Arshavin has made in north London.
Arshavin joined the Gunners in January for £15million while Samir Nasri signed last summer for a similar figure and both have adapted well in wide areas where Rosicky previously played.
The Russian scored all four goals in Tuesday's 4-4 draw against Liverpool and has shown considerable potential despite missing out on pre-season training with former club Zenit St Petersburg while his protracted transfer was completed.
Nasri exploded onto the scene and became an immediate cult hero when he scored both goals as Arsenal beat Manchester United in November and it is debatable if a fit Rosicky would get into the team at present in any case.
Both players are expected to improve once they have fully adapted to English football and manager Arsene Wenger also has Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela who can be deployed as wingers, giving him plenty of options in that area.
Arsenal's excellent financial management off the pitch means Wenger is under no pressure to sell but any money received in player sales is likely to be allocated to boosting his clout in the transfer market this summer.
Wenger has consistently underestimated the length of Rosicky's injury and it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman has finally lost patience with the winger who has played just 44 times since signing for around £6m from Borussia Dortmund in May 2006.
Several media outlets in Prague have recently speculated that Rosicky's career could be over, although the Gunners insist that he will make a complete recovery.
The Dnes daily newspaper recently wrote: "Let's hope the career of 'little Mozart' doesn't resemble that of the composer - spectacular but short."
Meanwhile, Arsenal's push for honours was dealt a significant blow with the news that Van Persie and Gael Clichy will miss next week's Champions League semi-final, first leg against Manchester United.
Arshavin is ineligible for the trip to Old Trafford having already played in the competition with former club Zenit St Petersburg this season.
Coupled with Van Persie's groin injury, it means Nasri and Walcott are virtually certain starters against Sir Alex Ferguson's side on Wednesday, barring an injury-free weekend.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is back in training along with Johan Djourou and Wenger said: "Both could come back into the squad. It is not enough training to say that yet, we need 48 hours more. Emmanuel Adebayor should come back into training tomorrow after a slight hamstring problem. He could be in the squad."
Reader views (10)
Obvious from some comments, thast some so called fans of Arsenal are not what they seem. Imagine sneering at Rosicky when he needs encouragement, oh dear.
- John Hamilton, st.ives Cornwall
Well said Steven - Couldnt have put it better myself.
Also I dont think tiny totts are expecting anything difference for the next season either. They haven't been anything else but a mediocore middle of the table team for the God knows how many past years. Didnt they have the original sicknote in Anderton?
- Sue, London, UK
God, I pray that he'll come back! He has sooo much talent!
- Gooner For Life, T&T
Just release him he's waisting arsenal contra budget
we got narsi anyway we dnt need him till today his still injury cant believe it even eduardo his bk but eduardo injury evey1 saw it on tv
but rosicky injury i never seein it but i just keep hearing dey shoud release him wid silvestre
- Jaheim, london
Re: Terry Nutkins
Here we go again. Another mindless Spuds fan commenting on something that doesn't concern him, nor does he understand.
Rosicky's injury has nothing to do with him being too lightweight for the Premiership. He has been struck down by a freak injury that would've stopped any player in their tracks, regardless of stature or what league they were playing in. Even the doctors are baffled by Rosicky's injury.
Spurs fans might want to consider their own club captain before they start commenting on Rosicky's situation. Is Ledley King too lightweight for the Premiership? Or has he simply, like Rosicky, suffered a freak injury that has blighted his career, and may well end it prematurely?
Get your facts straight instead of talking nonsense. And pray that your beloved Modric doesn't ever suffer the misfortune of such a debilitating injury.
If Rosicky's career is at an end it would be a real shame because he is a great player and Arsenal always looked much better going forward with him in the side. If he manages to regain his fitness to a sufficient level I would be happy to see him return to the fold, maybe even on a pay as you play contract, making Solskjaer-esque matchwinning cameos. But I think with the likes of Arshavin and Nasri now occupying his position in the team he might struggle to regain his place, regardless of his fitness.
Needless to say, best of luck to him in what must be a truly painstaking recovery process.
- Steven, London
Terry - that is the same Wenger who said Modric is too lightweight for the premiership. Then, maybe midtable mediocrity is success for Tottenham these days.
- Rob Gooner, North London
If there is lightweight,then Sicknote Rosicky is it..how many games has this guy played since he joined? and Wenger sais Modric was a lightweight...The Little Mozart has become Little Molly.
- Macca, st johns wood
I still want to see my dream midfield of Nasri, Arshavin, Fabregas & Rosicky. Try & get the ball off that lot.
- Rob Gooner, North London
Is this the same Wenger that said Modric is too lightweight for the PL? Modric has been very resilient, hard tackling and just out and out superb for Spurs.
- Terry Nutkins, London
I'd take Rosicky back any day, his work rate, his improved defencive work and his passing ability, not to mention his deadly right foot is something that would be an improvement for any team. Placing him on the left and Nasri on the right allows Andrey to play in his favourite position behind the striker where he's a great link up with the strikers as well as his goalscoring ability as we all have seen
- Alex, Norway
