[Ljungberg_8]

I'm pretty sure Sky Sports News said yesterday Gio (remember him?? ) is back from that horrendous knee injury! Now it's between him and Edu for that place next to Paddy! (Unless we sign van Bommel/Nakata/Emre etc...)
What are your views?

 

[Chris]

Really? I was under the impression that Gio wouldn't be back until december, same as Pires. Definitely good news if it is true, as we can always use him. But I hope his playtime doesn't get in the way of the improvement of Edu and Pennant, because in the long run they will be better players.

 

[Bastin]

Gio is indeed fit - though whether he'll be match-fit for the Austria tour remains to be seen - and hopefully will be ready for the Charity, sorry, Community Shield match against Liverpool, if we need him that is.

He's done well to return so quickly, and I hope that he does get into the team, but towards the tail-end of last season, Edu did very well (as predicted by yours truly), and will be hard-pushed to get into a four including Vieira, Edu, Parlour, Pires, and Ljungberg.

However, since Freddie looks to be out, plus obviously Pires, he'll make it for all of the games up to the Leeds game, when Ljungberg looks set to return.