Post by Salem6 on Nov 20, 2003 7:39:34 GMT
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reckons defender Philippe Senderos and on-loan forward Michal Papadopulos will have a key part to play this season.
Senderos is a central defender
Both of the youngsters have suffered from injury problems since joining the club but played for the Gunners reserves at Barnet on Monday.
"I feel they could be a force for us in the second part of the season," said Wenger after watching them in action.
"They looked a little bit rusty but two or three games will do them good."
Emerging Swiss centre-back Senderos, 18, who was also wanted by Manchester United, fell victim to a bout of back inflammation after taking part in a number of pre-season friendlies.
Papadopulos, 18, has been forced to receive treatment on a knee injury since signing on loan from Czech Republic side Banik Ostrava.
Both players nevertheless came through the first half of Mondays game, with Papadopulos scoring a powerful header before the duo were substituted in a pre-planned move.
"Philippe Senderos hasn't played for almost five months. We were really concerned because he had a big problem. So it is good to see him back," added Wenger on the club's official website.
"That goes for Papadopulos as well. We have taken him on loan because he is very committed and very good in air.
"We have seen that in this game, even if he is still short of fitness."
Senderos is delighted to be back in action.
"It has been very frustrating for me but I've kept my chin up and although injuries are never good for any player, I feel that it's been a good test for me mentally," said Senderos.
"I hope that I will soon be pushing for a place in the first-team. Every day, the manager has been asking me how I'm getting on as he takes good care of his players."
Senderos is a central defender
Both of the youngsters have suffered from injury problems since joining the club but played for the Gunners reserves at Barnet on Monday.
"I feel they could be a force for us in the second part of the season," said Wenger after watching them in action.
"They looked a little bit rusty but two or three games will do them good."
Emerging Swiss centre-back Senderos, 18, who was also wanted by Manchester United, fell victim to a bout of back inflammation after taking part in a number of pre-season friendlies.
Papadopulos, 18, has been forced to receive treatment on a knee injury since signing on loan from Czech Republic side Banik Ostrava.
Both players nevertheless came through the first half of Mondays game, with Papadopulos scoring a powerful header before the duo were substituted in a pre-planned move.
"Philippe Senderos hasn't played for almost five months. We were really concerned because he had a big problem. So it is good to see him back," added Wenger on the club's official website.
"That goes for Papadopulos as well. We have taken him on loan because he is very committed and very good in air.
"We have seen that in this game, even if he is still short of fitness."
Senderos is delighted to be back in action.
"It has been very frustrating for me but I've kept my chin up and although injuries are never good for any player, I feel that it's been a good test for me mentally," said Senderos.
"I hope that I will soon be pushing for a place in the first-team. Every day, the manager has been asking me how I'm getting on as he takes good care of his players."
