Coquelin Out Of Tomorrow’s Friendly Against Burgenland XI

Gooner Talk have learnt that Arsenal starlet Francis Coquelin will not play in tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Austrian minnows Burgenland XI after the Frenchman sustained a thigh injury in yesterday’s training session.

Coquelin, 17, impressed in a 7-day trial with the club last month and despite injuring himself during that period, he did enough to impress Arsene Wenger and earned his dream move to north London.

The France under-17 international is a explosive, defensive midfield player blessed with a fantastic range of passing and all the combative qualities to show for it.

He recently shone after making emphatic substitute appearances against Barnet and Austrian side Szombathelyi Haladás and the injury news comes as a blow to the talented young midfielder.

However, Gooner Talk understand that Arsene Wenger isn’t keen on playing Coquelin and after advice from fitness coach Tony Colbert, ‘Sisco’ will not be involved in tomorrow’s friendly.

Match Report: Szombathelyi Haladás 1-1 Arsenal

In the second of the three matches described as ‘practice games’ by Wenger, Arsenal again produced an experimental young side that faced a tougher test in Hungary after the run-out at Barnet.

A competetive first half brought out better performances from the young players, but the second 45 gave way to a more fatigued contest.

The young Gunners controlled much of the game but produced little in the way of clear-cut chances, save a smart finish from Theo Walcott.

Szombathelyi Starting XI:

Ròzsa
Schimmer – Guzmics – Kuttor -Tòth
Vörös – Molnar – Kaj
Orros – Kenesei – Simon

Arsenal Starting XI:

Almunia
Sagna – G. Hoyte – J.Hoyte – Clichy (c)
Walcott – Denilson – Ramsey – Wilshere
Vela – Bendtner

Match Preview: Szombathelyi Haladás v Arsenal – (Pre-Season Friendly)

After coming from behind to beat regular pre-season opponents Barnet 2-1 on Saturday, Arsene Wenger takes his young side to play their second summer friendly against Hungarian First Division side Szombathelyi Haladas tomorrow afternoon.

The ‘Hali’, who were founded in 1919, will provide a good test for Arsenal, who have been boosted by the return of the Euro 2008 internationals and other senior players.

Indeed, Haladas president Péter Bíró has claimed that a strong Arsenal side will take to the field tomorrow, meaning fans will undoubtedly flock to the 18,000 capacity Haladas VSE Stadium.

Coach Aurél Csertoi, in a press conference today, joked:

“I know we aren’t the favourites but we are looking forward to it. It is good for Hungarian football and will be useful for the players to experience
what it is like to face world-class players. We know that the entire world will be watching us and we would like to hold our ground, naturally.”

Team News – Szombathelyi Haladas

The unknown Hungarians, who count Burnley keeper Gabor Kiraly as one of their more famous ex-players, will be without midfielders Norbert Toth and Adam Simon while forward Peter Andorka is also a doubt.

Predicted Starting XI

Ròzsa
Schimmer – Guzmics – Kuttor -Tòth
Vörös – Balázs – Kaj
Márton – Krisztián – Simon

Team News – Arsenal

With most of the players who featured in Euro 2008 now returning, bar Cesc Fabregas, fans are speculating as to the strength of the Gunners’ line-up for the game. It is rumoured that both new signing Samir Nasri and Carlos Vela, who unfortunately took a knock in training before the Barnet game, may well feature alongside other returnees, including Kolo Toure and Robin van Persie.

After impressing against Barnet, £5m signing Aaron Ramsey is also expected to play some part against the Hungarian part-timers. Barcelona and AC Milan target Emmanuel Adebayor will take part, after training with the rest of the first-teamers for the first time earlier today.

Predicted Starting XI

Fabianski
Sagna – Nordtveit – Djourou – Clichy
Eboue – Denilson – Randall – Traore
Walcott – Bendtner

Match Prediction: Szombathelyi Haladas 0-4 Arsenal

Leave your predictions and views welcome in the comments section below.