Gibbs Is Champing At The Bit

The Daily Star carries the story that Kieran Gibbs who has been out for seven weeks after suffering a fractured metatarsal during the closing stages of a Champions League game against Standard Liege, is close to returning to action.

Speaking to Arsenal TV Online he said: "I feel fine at the minute, and have been doing some work in the gym.

"Hopefully if the results come back okay, I can get on and really start getting [match] fit again."

Gibbs revealed he had struggled with being out of action.

He added: "I did not deal with it that well, because this is my first time I have been out for a long time. But your friends and family are there, and they help you get through it.

"I have been into the training ground recently, and seen a lot of the players. It is good when you are around the team.

"To come back into the changing room, to get involved again makes you feel back at home."

French youngster Armand Traore has been filling in at left-back, but Gael Clichy who was out with a back injury is now close to a return.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have announced that young forward Rhys Murphy has signed a new long-term contract.

The 19-year-old England youth international is currently on loan with League One side Brentford.

By Terry Dennis