Early Doors

Arshavin with some of the taller members of Arsenal's first team

Arsenal's Arshavin out but Rosicky, Walcott on way back

Arsenal's Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin will miss their next three matches after aggravating a groin injury on World Cup duty this week, his club manager Arsene Wenger said on Thursday...

He will now miss Saturday's league game at Manchester City, next week's Champions League opener away to Standard Liege and the following weekend's league match at home to Wigan Athletic.

"As for Tomas, he played 54 minutes in good shape. Of course, we have to be cautious. But the good news is he's back and he played. I don't know if he'll be in the squad for Saturday."

There was also encouraging news regarding winger Walcott with Wenger confirming the back problem that had sidelined him this season for Arsenal and England had healed and he could be back to face Standard Liege next week.

Spurs hopeful over Bassong

Tottenham are hopeful of centre-back Sebastien Bassong being fit of the Barclays Premier League clash against Manchester United on Saturday despite missing Cameroon's midweek clash against Gabon.

The 23-year-old picked up a slight knock to one of his knees against the same opponents last weekend and missed the return clash on Wednesday night, although Paul Le Guen's decision to leave him out of the squad was thought to be down to selection rather than injury.

Ferdinand could return at Spurs

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could return from injury in time for Saturday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

The England centre-back has been sidelined with a thigh injury since the Community Shield defeat to Chelsea in August but has stepped up his recovery in training all week.

United manager Alex Ferguson said: "Rio has been in training this week and has got a chance for Saturday, I'm not sure how big a chance but he has got a chance.

Carson in line for debut

Third-choice goalkeeper Trevor Carson is on standby to make his Sunderland debut when Hull visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Craig Gordon is unlikely to face the Tigers having been ruled out of Scotland`s World Cup qualifier against Holland with a thigh strain while Marton Fulop is battling a long-standing heel injury.

Lee Cattermole missed out on England Under-21s encounter with Greece in midweek while striker Kenwyne Jones will be monitored having been away with Trinidad & Tobago.

Blues duo feature in practice match

Chelsea duo Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira continued their return from injury in a 1-1 draw with Fulham in a practice match on Tuesday.

The pair are both in the process of recovering from serious knee injuries and it was the first time they had faced outside opposition since they were sidelined.

and related...

Davies boost for Fulham

Fulham midfielder Simon Davies continued his comeback from injury by taking part in friendly draw against Chelsea.

The Wales international has been out since before the end of last season after having surgery on a stress fracture of the foot, but he started a practice game at Chelsea's Cobham training ground on Tuesday.