Tomas Rosicky has had a torrid time with injury since he joined us in 2006 but perhaps the medical staff feel positive that the very talented Rosicky can get back to establishing himself in the squad full time

Arsene’s target of tying down his squad to new contracts continues as Czech play maker Tomas Rosicky finally pens a deal to stay at the club for an extended period of time. This deal has caused plenty of furrowed brows amongst the Arsenal faithful and it is no wonder when his total minutes on the pitch could be counted by my two year old son.

Tomas Rosicky has had a torrid time with injury since he joined us in 2006 but perhaps the medical staff feel positive that the very talented Rosicky can get back to establishing himself in the squad full time. His problem that kept him out the squad longer than Eduardo’s terrible break has been solved, healed and as far as I know has not troubled him but as we know it is very common for players to pick up little niggling problems to the body as they get back to playing football at the highest level.

Abou Diaby, Robin Van Persie and Eduardo Da Silva have had similar problems, so I am guessing it is the same for Rosicky. Without wanting to tempt fate, Diaby and Van Persie have got through without niggles in recent weeks, Van Persie is only out due to unlucky tackle on his ankle which could have happened to anyone, he had been playing regularly without set backs before that.

Rosicky is happy to have signed and wants to repay the faith shown in him.

Rosicky said:

“I am so pleased to have signed a new contract with Arsenal. The last two seasons haven’t been easy for me because of injuries but I feel it speaks volumes about the Club’s belief in me for this to be signed, and I truly believe I have a lot left to offer the Club, my team-mates and all the supporters. It’s felt like home since I arrived here four years ago and I believe we’re on the verge of achieving something special together. I’m looking forward to the coming months and hope that together, we are all celebrating at the end of the season.”

Even if Rosicky only manages to play half the games during a season, his experience and quality would be a good enough cause to keep him in the squad. He is great friends with Cesc Fabregas after all.

Speaking of Fabregas, it appears that his injury will not have healed before the Everton game as first planned. Hopefully he shall be back for the return game at Bolton on the 17th January. According to reports Theo could also be part of the squad by that game.

Cesc will be missed but the rise and confidence of Aaron Ramsey should make his loss a little lighter for the rest of the squad.

Wenger’s need for a striker will be a little less pressing as Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner joins training with his Arsenal team mates today. Bendtner who celebrates his 22nd birthday on the 16th January is hoping to earn the perfect present.

Bendtner said:

“Tomorrow (Tuesday) I hope to start training with the ball, and the fun will begin, I hope to be able to make my comeback against Bolton on January 17th, the day after my birthday. That would be the best gift I could give myself. At least it is my personal goal, so now we will see.”

From what I remember, Bendtner only got the chance to lead the line once during the early part of the season, away against Standard Liege and he scored our first of three. He has a chance to really take a step forward and I hope he can do it but we must remember that he may need time after being out for so long.

Rumour has it that Spaniard Fran Merida has chosen to join Atletico Madrid in the summer. His chances have been limited in the Arsenal first team and I could understand if he decided to make a name for himself elsewhere. He has many quality players ahead of him but I have no doubt that he has the talent to make it at Arsenal but as with all big clubs, he faces quality competition from team mates.

Back again tomorrow.