Due to his progressing recovery from a serious knee injury that kept him out for the entire duration of last season, Johann Djourou must be considered a doubt to face Man City this week due to his inability to play two games a week. Wenger himself said this week: “Djourou was out for nine months with a big question mark about his knee so I am naturally a bit more protective.”

Johann is on a strict fitness schedule designed to manage his knee until he can be considered to be 100% fit and in peak condition. Over the past two months Djourou’s form has risen superbly after a shaky start to the season where he was part of a defensive trio heavily criticised for a lack of organisation and ability to deal with the long ball over the top. His athleticism has improved tenfold and he has regained the yard of pace he seemed to lose when not at his physical peak.

Arsene Wenger will have a massive decision on his hands before the clash at the Emirates which could see Arsenal gain vital ground on the ever-improving Sheikh funded Manchester City, the game will probably come too early for their latest attempted signing, Edin Dzeko, to participate as they close in on a £35 million deal for the current German-based hitman.

Djourou’s physical reaction to the 3-0 victory over Birmingham will be key to the decision Wenger will have to make, he was largely uncalled upon during the game where an increasingly dominant Arsenal performance reduced the threat to Lucasz Fabianski’s goal and his defence.

City’s most impressive, effective and controversial performer this season is Argentine Carlos Tevez and Arsenal’s chances of reducing his threat will be much boosted if Djourou is fit enough to feature.

One thing I am sure every Arsenal fan will agree with is that with Djourou getting better and better, it can only be a good thing for our suspect defence which has already conceded over twenty goals so far this season.

Catches win matches in the cricket. Goals win games in football. Stop the goals, you won’t stop The Arsenal.