The young Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is currently recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury which has kept him out of the team since the beginning of the season, but he is recovering well and hopes to return to traing in the next month or so.

The youngster, who has just turned 19, has represented England at U16 and U17 levels but is adamant that he wants to represent his home country Ghana.

In an interview today on Citi Sports in Ghana he made it clear where his heart lies. “I have always said that I will play for Ghana because I am a Ghanaian Player. My whole family is from Ghana but at the same time, I have been in England since I was young and I see England as my home.

“But at the moment, if Ghana calls me up I will gladly go and play. But there are people who also don’t want me be called to play for Ghana which is very disappointing. I guess I just have to wait for a call up but at the moment I am still playing for England so it’s a bit of a difficult situation” .

“I have always told my family that if Ghana calls me, I will personally ride my own bicycle from England to Ghana” he concluded.

Frimpong was looking good to become a member of Wenger’s first team before his devastating injury, and if he carries on from where he left off he would be a great addition to whichever country he finally plays for…..

Theo Walcott is confident that Arsenal can do better than they did last season against Barcelona, and thinks Robin van Persie will be key to Arsenal's hopes in the tie.

The Dutchman missed the start of the season through injury, as well as the two games against Barca in last season's Champions League, and Walcott hopes the presence of the in-form striker will aid the Gunners.

He said: "It's great to see him back fit. He's a dream to play with.

"He's a great player and I link up well with him. He's banging in the goals now and making up for the time he missed."

Walcott believes Arsenal have improved all-round since their 6-3 aggregate defeat last season, and thinks they have shown more in their big games this term.

He explained: "It's one of the games you want to play in and hopefully the result can be different from last year.

"I believe we can do much better than last season; we can't do worse to be honest.

"It's going to be an open game but these days when we lose the ball we try to get it back quicker.

"That's what we did against Chelsea and Manchester City and hopefully we can take that into the Barcelona game because it's a massive one this season, the biggest one I'm going to play in."

Alex Song has heaped praise on his young team-mate Jack Wilshere for the progress he has made this season for Arsenal and England.

The 19-year-old has cemented a place in Arsenal's midfield this season after a successful loan spell at Bolton last term. He has also gone on to make two appearances for the senior England side.

Song makes up another part of Arsène Wenger's successful three-man midfield, and says he enjoys playing with Wilshere, who he believes has shown maturity beyond his years.

The Cameroon international added that he is unsurprised to see Wilshere become a part of the England set-up so quickly this year.

Song said: "Jack is an unbelievable young player – it's hard to think that he is just 19 years old because he's playing like a guy with 200 Premier League appearances.

"I'm very happy to play alongside him – he always wants to listen and learn, and I'm not surprised to see him in the England team.

"It's always good to see your team-mates doing well internationally and I think England has a good future with Jack, Theo and Kieran around."

Arsenal play Catalan giants Barcelona on Wednesday night in what can only be described as one of the biggest games of the season. Barca, who could only manage a 1-1 draw against Sporting Gijon at the weekend, will be confident after dominating the two legs during last year’s Champions League clashes.

However, Arsene Wenger’s side were missing key players in those games with the likes of Robin van Persie, Andrey Arshavin and Alex Song playing minimal if no part in either game. Injuries forced Wenger to play Mikael Silvestre in defence at the Nou Camp where he faced the unstoppable Lionel Messi, but admittedly things could have been different.

Nicklas Bendtner and Jack Wilshere have both said that Arsenal have what it takes to beat Pep Guardiola’s men, while the world’s football pundits make Barcelona favourites to win over both legs.

Gooner Talk caught up with ‘Shekhu’ from one of the biggest Barca-related websites on the Internet, totalBarca, to discuss Wednesday’s match and much, much more. Check it out below.


How do you think your season has gone so far?

It has been a dream run for the club this season. It won’t be an exaggeration if we say that this team is defining a new era in football. A team with home-grown players, hitting five goals past other teams at will [*cough* Real Madrid *cough*]. The intensity at which the team plays – both attacking and defending – on and off the ball – is unbelievable. Everything is just perfect. Having said that, it should be noted that a lot of hard work, risk and commitment has gone down in making this team.

Skipper Carlos Puyol will be missing Wednesday’s game, do you feel that he’ll be a big miss in the centre of defence?

Well that is obvious, El Capitan will be missed in the game. He is a true champion, never gives up an inch. Apart from his defending he will be missed as a leader! I hope he comes back for the second leg. However, I expect Abidal to take up CB spot. To be honest, he has been our best defender of the season so far.

Where do you think the game can be won/lost for Barcelona?

The ball, simple. Both teams like to keep possession and always show eagerness to have the ball and attack. Chances will come for both sides, it will be a game of attack not the kind of game which other English teams have played against Barca. The team which can keep the ball more, will create more chances.

Who – other than stating the obvious – do you think Barcelona’s danger men will be?

It’s a tough choice but as you have asked someone other than stating the obvious ie. ‘Xaviniesta’ or Messi. I would like to point out Sergio Busquets. He has developed into an excellent defensive midfielder. His positioning and anticipation is second to none. It’s like he always seems to know where the ball is going next. His role will be very important in keeping possession.

Who have you got your eye on in Arsenal’s team?

The board has got an eye on Cesc [Just kidding!]. As in the previous question I did not state any obvious choice player. In this question too, I would point out van Persie. He’s got pace, lethal finish and could be very difficult to contain on the break.

You’re not going to get away without talking about Cesc Fabregas! What do you make of Xavi’s latest comments saying that “he has to end up” at Barcelona, and do you think you’ll make another bid to sign him in the summer?

Ah, I expected this question. Yes, the board will bid for him but for how much, I don’t know. And honestly I don’t see value in this transfer; both financially and sporting-wise. Barca already has a top-notch midfield and any addition to it will have to sit on the bench. Of course, there can be rotation but in important matches like this one, or Clasico’s, one of these three Xavi, Iniesta or Cesc will have to sit on the bench. It will be a travesty to spend that much money as it is being talked about on someone who may not be automatically be on the starting line-up! If at all Barca wants to buy Cesc I would rather wait for 2013 or 2014.

And finally, what’s your prediction for the match?

I’d expect a 1-2 away win for Barcelona but will be happy with a draw with one or two goals.

Бывший президент "Барселоны" Жоан Лапорта заявил, что лично решил в конце прошлого сезона отдать предпочтение покупке Давида Вильи перед трансфером Сеска Фабрегаса.

"Мы не хотели покупать Сеска. Я решил, что нам нужнее Вилья. В покупке Фабрегаса не было срочной необходимости, так как в нашем распоряжении были Хави, Иньеста, Бускетс и Кейта. За Вильей же мы охотились второй сезон подряд: летом 2009 года "Валенсия" просила за него чересчур много", - приводит слова Лапорты Catalunya Radio.

Напомним, что за Вилью "Барса" заплатила "Валенсии" 40 млн евро.