• Premier League

Defensive woes mount for Arsenal

ESPN staff
August 17, 2011
Johan Djourou picked up a hamstring injury on Tuesday © PA Photos
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Arsenal are facing a defensive crisis ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool as Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou picked up hamstring problems against Udinese.

Gibbs did not appear for the second half of the 1-0 win over Udinese, while his replacement Djourou lasted a matter of nine minutes before departing.

A statement on Arsenal's official website read: "Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou both picked up minor hamstring problems during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Udinese on Tuesday night.

"Gibbs was replaced by Djourou at half time and the Swiss defender was in turn replaced by Carl Jenkinson 10 minutes later. Both players could miss Saturday's game against Liverpool."

The severity of the players' injuries is not clear, but Djourou looked in real discomfort when walking from the field of play.

Tomas Rosicky came into the Udinese game nursing a niggle and he was substituted late on, but there has been no word as to whether the Czech midfielder aggravated his problem.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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