Fabian Balbuena’s hopes of making a return to the team for the match against Arsenal on Saturday have been dashed.
The Paraguyan central defender – injured in the game against Watford trying to prevent a move which eventually led to a penalty – has suffered a setback in his recovery.
And talking to Claret and Hugh by e-mail this morning a senior source revealed the injury may now need a small operation.
It’s a blow for manager Manuel Pellegrini who will be forced to continue with Angelo Ogbonna at central defence in a partnership which at times hasn’t looked anything like as solid as that between Issa Diop and The General.
However the good news is that both Chicharito and Ryan Fredericks are back in full training this week and will be available for selection assuming there are no further problems before the end of the week.
Our source explained: “”Balbuena has had a setback and might need a small operation. Chicharito and Fredericks are both now in full training.”
Massive blow, without the general our chances of beating arsenal have significantly dropped. I’ve gone from being quite optimistic, to not very optimistic for this game now.
Also we are now dangerously low on CB. Yes Declan can play there, but everything good in midfield starts with him.
With Frederic’s coming back, Centre back cover should now be a priority for the Jan.
Good news and bad news indeed . Nice to see the Little Pea back in full training but , bad news on the Generals set back . Badly missed as is Reid . We have to play with the available squad which in all honesty hasn’t done all that badly to date . A bit of a surprise in actuality . That surprise is down to Pelligrini without any shadow of doubt . Hopefully Fredericks will kick on and start to show us why we signed him . I still think we have the tools to beat Arsenal though , it’s not as if they’re setting the world on fire . I know it’s a bit of cliche to say let’s not lose ; but in this case a draw would be good ,,,, obviously a win would be better by far .
COYHAMMERS
How far away is Winston Reid, and is there really absolutely no way back for Reece Oxford if called for?