Gallas says Arsenal strong enough to handle absences

LONDON: Arsenal captain William Gallas believes the Premier League leaders have sufficient strength in depth to cope with defender Kolo Toure's absence during the African Nations Cup without resorting to any new purchases in this month's transfer window.

The Gunners remained two points clear at the summit of English football after a 2-0 New Year's Day win at home to London rivals West Ham.

But that was the last league match before centre-back Toure, fullback Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song head to Ghana next week for the African Nations Cup and the trio could be away from the Emirates Stadium for as long as a month.

However, Gallas believes that Swiss duo Phillipe Senderos and Johan Djourou, already on Arsenal's books, can provide more than adequate cover.

"I don't really expect us to sign anyone. I think everything is fine," Gallas, 30, said.

"Perhaps if one player does leave then we have to buy, but if that is not the case then I think everything is OK as we are," the France international added.

"Kolo is very important for the squad because he is very strong. He has good qualities and my relationship with him has been very good.

"But we have good players in the squad and someone else will be able to play. If you play for Arsenal you are very good and I hope my relationship with them will be good too," Gallas insisted.

"We will miss Kolo, but I can only say how much after a few weeks."

Looking ahead, Gallas said: "We are very focused about what we have to do, but it is not finished.

"Now we have to be very strong because Manchester United and Chelsea will want to come back at us.

"It will not be easy for any of us.

"This is the time when we have to show everyone how strong we are, how badly we want to win.

"I spoke to the players before the West Ham game and I told them that it is not always easy to win how we would like."

AFP

(China Daily 01/04/2008 page22)