SOCCER NEWS ROUND-UP: ARSENE WENGER'S stance on Eduardo da Silva's perceived dive against Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers appeared to shift subtly last night after the Arsenal manager admitted his striker had "made more" of the contact with the visiting goalkeeper, Artur Boruc, than was wise.
Arsenal yesterday launched their appeal against the two-match suspension imposed on the Croatia forward by Uefa after he tumbled in the wake of a sliding challenge from Boruc during the second leg of their qualifying tie at the Emirates earlier this month.
The case will be heard by Uefa’s appeals body on Monday, with the Premier League club still hoping to have the 25-year-old available for their tie at Standard Liege next week.
The club will argue contact was made by Boruc on Eduardo, prompting him to fall, and that Uefa’s judgment would set a dangerous precedent.
“We want to fight against diving,” insisted Wenger, who has spoken personally to the Uefa president, Michel Platini, on the matter.
“He made more of it, yes. But we have the proof that he has been touched and that he made a little bit more of it. There’s a fine line between being shrewd and everyone supports you, or saying that it’s a dive and you’re cheating.
“I’ll find you every week between five and 10 [such incidents]. I saw one in Serbia’s game against France.”
Arsenal’s Russian midfielder, Andrey Arshavin, will miss his club’s next two matches, against Manchester City and Standard Liege, because of a groin injury. Arshavin aggravated the injury while playing for Russia against Wales in a World Cup qualifier in Cardiff on Wednesday.
Wenger, said: “Arshavin should not have played [for Russia]. He will be out for Saturday and Wednesday. He had a groin problem, which is why I took him off at Manchester United.”
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has confirmed that England centre half Rio Ferdinand is in contention for their Premier League clash with unbeaten Tottenham at White Hart Lane tomorrow evening.
However, full back John O’Shea is set to be missing after suffering a calf injury on duty with the Republic of Ireland.
“Rio has been in training this week and has a got a chance for Saturday, I’m not sure how big a chance but he has got a chance,” said Ferguson.
Ireland’s coach Giovanni Trapattoni had warned that O’Shea could be ruled out for a couple of months if he is rushed back into action too soon.
Ferguson said: “O’Shea has not trained – he came back with a calf injury from Ireland’s game in Cyprus and is doubtful for Saturday so we will see what he’s like.”
Meanwhile, AC Milan remain confident of sealing their loan move for England midfielder David Beckham to return to the San Siro in January.
According to sources close to the Los Angeles Galaxy player, reports in Italy suggesting a deal has been completed are premature – but the Serie A team believe they are in pole position to sign the 34-year-old.
