It looks like Diaby could play in the role in which he enjoys the most against Hull, it is a combative midfield but we will miss the creative passing of Cesc

Train cancellations mixed with snow and very cold weather is a combination that I wish not to be involved with for a long, long time. My day was well and truly screwed and to make matters worse, my fingers have felt as if they are about to fall off.

The cards have been dealt, our future looks a little clearer. Porto will be our Champions League opposition which will be a tricky tie, as every manager will tell you, every game in the Champions League at this stage will be a difficult couple of games. UEFA have their wish with Jose Mourinho coming back to his former club along with David Beckham making his Old Trafford come back, coincidence? ask someone else I say.

The first result away in Portugal will be vital, we need a tough, solid performance whilst trying to impose our attacking game. I would take a score draw right now if anyone is offering. I am sure there will be plenty of talk over the coming weeks about the game, hopefully we will be able to find eleven players who are not injured by that point, yeah I know. I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, right?

At least Cesc Fabregas isn’t out for a long time, that really would be something worth worrying about. I am crossing my fingers that he is back for the Villa game which for some reason I had in my head that we were playing away so it came as a big relief when I took another glance at the fixture list.

Wenger is guessing that Cesc will be back in between eight and ten days so we shall see.

Wenger said:

“Cesc Fabregas has a minor hamstring problem, It could keep him out for eight to 10 days. If all goes well he will be fit for next Sunday [against Aston Villa]. If not he could miss one more game. We have Denilson back and, of the short-term injuries, the shortest is Traore and he will not be back [for Hull]. Gael Clichy is better but it will be three weeks before he comes back.”

It looks like Diaby could play in the role in which he enjoys the most against Hull, it is a combative midfield but we will miss the creative passing of Cesc but with or without Cesc we have to give Hull a good beating, my word they deserve it.

More on that tomorrow.

Jack Wilshere could be on his way to Burnley on loan which would be a great move for everybody I would say. Burnley would be high on the list for teams in the Premier League which would suit his game. Jack still needs to grow physically and if he can do that whilst getting first team football then I think it is a great move. It would also make match of the day a little more interesting.

I think Wilshere will establish himself in the Arsenal first team in a couple of years from now, he should get more games next season, a little like how Ramsey is at the moment. I must admit, I was impatient when it came to wanting him in the first team but on a few occasions I have seen him play he looks like a boy amongst men. Wilshere isn’t afraid to get stuck in but against Manchester City he was often bouncing off players, should he develop in the way that Cesc and Ramsey have then it will help him considerably.

I am off to grab some food and turn the heating on full blast, Back tomorrow with some pre match thoughts.