Trio Unlikely To Return

Last updated : 22 November 2007 By Sam
Arca has been out of the side with knee ligament damage sustained in the game against Sunderland whilst Mido has been sidelined with a groin strain. Rochemback picked up a leg injury against Spurs earlier this month and Southgate appears to be against rushing the trio back into first team action.

"Arca, Mido and Rochemback are not ready at the moment, but they are making progress and we'll wait until the last possible minute before making a decision," Southgate told the Evening Gazette.

"Obviously it's a big bonus to get players of this quality back on the pitch, or even on the bench.

"Arca is back in full training but Saturday's game may come a little too early for him.

"Obviously he has been fantastic for us and it was a big blow when he was injured, so we are looking forward to his return.

"Mido started like a house on fire but has had one or two niggles since.

"But we are getting closer to having key personnel back in the squad and we are looking forward to the chance to getting players back on the pitch again."