SoccerDigest

This week's Soccer Digest topics include decimation at Arsenal, a new contract for Jenas at Newcastle, Gordon Taylor's offer of mediation at Everton, a return for Spurs striker Frederic Kanoute and the latest on Man Utd's injured Paul Scholes.

Arsenal 'decimated'

Arsene Wenger yesterday grappled with the selection crisis which has ruled half a dozen Arsenal regulars out of tomorrow's clash at Birmingham and confessed: "We are decimated."

The Gunners' injury and suspension woes, which have already torn apart their defence and midfield, spread into attack with the news Sylvain Wiltord is out with a groin-tendon problem.

Wenger's personnel problems for the 400th game of his seven-year Highbury reign have been caused by a cruel combination of Football Association bans stemming from the rumpus at Old Trafford, Gilberto Silva's international duty in South America and fresh injuries.

The six key men absent are Wiltord, Silva, Patrick Vieira, Ray Parlour, Lauren and Martin Keown.

Wenger admitted: "We're missing many players and now it's a challenge as to how we respond. It's a big test, but we're fortunately in a good position in the league and I hope we benefit from the dynamic we've created to keep going."

Jenas signs again

Newcastle's young England star Jermaine Jenas has signed a new five-year contract which will keep him at St James' Park until 2008.

The 20-year-old, who made his senior international debut against Australia earlier this year, has been handed a lucrative new deal less than two years after making his £5million switch from Nottingham Forest.

Jenas - 50 years to the day younger than manager Bobby Robson - has started United's last 11 games after recovering from having wisdom teeth out and is rapidly establishing himself as a major part of the club's future.

Taylor offers help

Players' union boss Gordon Taylor is trying to mediate in the fall-out between Everton manager David Moyes and striker Duncan Ferguson.

Ferguson has been told to stay away from training after a row earlier in the week, and it is believed Moyes has lost patience with the player.

Moyes refused to discuss the situation on the eve of the match with fellow strugglers Wolves at Goodison Park.

But with Ferguson not in the squad, PFA chief executive Taylor said: "We have been informed of the situation. These things can happen between player and manager, and we are trying to resolve the matter." Moyes has refused to discuss the issue all week, but it is clear the club are concerned with their highest-paid player, who has 18 months of his contract left, not even allowed to train.

It is the culmination of a rough fortnight for Moyes, who has seen his side slip into the Premiership relegation zone. They have won only three of their last 17 league games dating back to last season.

Kanoute eyes return

Frederic Kanoute is closing in on a return to first-team action. The French striker has been a big hit at White Hart Lane since his summer move from West Ham, and was leading scorer when he suffered an ankle-ligament injury at Leicester on October 19th - just minutes after he had grabbed the winner and his sixth goal in six games.

Kanoute is unlikely to make it back in time for tomorrow's visit of Aston Villa, but has stepped up his training regime. "Things are not too bad, I started running a few days ago and I am looking to accelerate now," he said. "I have to be careful not to rush it because that could set me back. I have to take my time but I don't think I am too far away.

"It is frustrating because you have to start again, get the fitness back and I hope I have not lost too much there. I will need training and a few games before I am back at the level I was at again but I am confident."

Meanwhile, West Ham's first division rivals Cardiff have suffered the loss for three games of their captain, Graham Kavanagh. The Republic of Ireland midfielder picked up an ankle injury playing against Canada in midweek.

Scholes up and running

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has been impressed by Paul Scholes's recovery from his recent groin operation.

Although Scholes has not yet started to kick a ball, he has been running without a problem and has been pencilled in for a return to first-team action in the Manchester derby on December 13th.

"Paul is probably only a couple of weeks away," confirmed the United chief. "His remedial work has been good and he has been running without a problem, so it is just a question of getting him to kick a ball again." Ferguson confirmed that defender Wes Brown could be back even sooner as he completes his return from a second cruciate knee-ligament operation, which could be vital if Rio Ferdinand eventually receives an FA ban over his failure to attend a drugs test.