• Premier League

Wenger feels Gallas' season is over

Soccernet staff
April 2, 2010
Arsene Wenger has admitted it was a gamble to play William Gallas against Barcelona © Getty Images
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that William Gallas is likely to miss the rest of the season following his latest injury setback.

Gallas, who is out of contract at the end of the season, suffered a recurrence of a calf problem against Barcelona on Wednesday and Wenger said after the match that he feared it would prove to be a long-term problem.

There was more positive news on Thursday as it emerged that he could return in three weeks, but Wenger has now said that such a swift return is unlikely.

"Gallas is longer than three weeks," he said. "I would say five weeks. It was a gamble which did not pay off and was a mistake, yes.

"He could be back maybe quicker, but I just give myself five weeks because three weeks is a minimum and we will have to be a bit more cautious with him, so when we go to the Champions League final, he still has a chance to play."

France coach Raymond Domenech has given Gallas a deadline to recover his fitness if he is to make the World Cup squad.

"A player who is not able to play before May 18 would not be able to come to the World Cup," he said in L'Equipe. "I do not demand that they have played games (by that date), only that they are able to train, to prepare."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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