Gilberto played with broken back!

Highbury
By Boris Mellor
January 13 2005

It has been revealed that Arsenal Midfielder Gilberto played on with a broken back. He played ten games in all before finally admitting defeat.

Gilberto played through the pain barrier because he did not want to let down his teamates. We often complain that footballers are mercenaries, but his committment could have put his whole career at risk.

It is hoped that he will return to play in April - but if Edu goes that will still leave the Gunner short of cover in this area. It was never Wenger's intention to play Fabregas for so many games. Without Gilberto and Edu rotation options will be limited, unless Arsene now eneters the transfer market.