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ARSENAL v MIDDLESBROUGH TEAM NEWS
Emanuel Mad-Dog Pogatetz misses the match through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the cup epic at Nuneaton last Saturday. But he will return for the replay on Tuesday.
Franck Queudrue is still out with a ligament injury and could be missing for some time. Captain Gareth Southgate sustained what was thought to be an ankle fracture at Nuneaton and will also not play. It is unclear how long Southgate will be out for. Original reports said three months (!) but this appears not to be the case now.
Ugo Ehiogu's transfer to West Brom has now been given the green light after been on and off and on again and it is almost certain that he will not play. That leaves Boro's defence in tatters with only unhappy Mark Schwarzer and Chris Riggott available from the full strength backline.
Matthew Bates is certain to start, provided he does not get injured or transferred on the journey to London and there is talk of Steve McClaren giving a debut to nineteen year-old Andrew Taylor. Tony McMahon is still on the sidelines despite reports earlier this week that he was ready to return.
Despite both Stewart Downing and Ray Parlour making comebacks in the reserves on Tuesday night, the Boss has stated that he will give both players another week to recover so neither will feature today.
George Boateng and Malcolm Christie are still out, along with Fabio Rochemback so if you're going to Highbury today, bring your boots because you might just get a game.
For Arsenal, England defender Ashley Cole returns to the squad and could feature for the first time since October. Centre-back Sol Campbell is ruled out with ankle injury, as is Robin van Persie with a broken toe. Thankfully for us, Dennis Bergkamp is doubtful after picking up a virus.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger commented, "In recent weeks we have been getting back to the right form and we must continue that. Middlesbrough are not in the best period at the moment and we want to take advantage of that. The good news is that Ashley Cole is back in the squad but he won't start. But if needed could come on play twenty or thirty minutes."
Steve McClaren remains positive. "You get injuries like we have got and you find the emergence of a teenager like Lee Cattermole, which has been a huge plus for us. His debut at Newcastle is one of the best I've seen from a seventeen year-old on such a big stage. It just shows you - injuries gives opportunities to some people and they take it. Cattermole has certainly been one of those."
Arsenal Squad: Lehmann, Lauren, Djourou, Senderos, Gilbert, Cole, Cygan, Pires, Fabregas, Flamini, Gilberto, Hleb, Reyes, Henry, Almunia, Quincy, Larsson, Lupoli.
Middlesbrough Squad: Jones, Schwarzer, Parnaby, Taylor, Riggott, Bates, Wheater, Doriva, Mendieta, Cattermole, Morrison, Johnson, Kennedy, Yakubu, Hasselbaink, Viduka, Maccarone.
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