Djourou's Loan to Birmingham

I read with interest the reason why Arsene Wenger decided to loan Johan Djourou to Birmingham City. When he made the decision, the established pairing was Kolo Toure and William Gallas.

Now with the Frenchman injured and Phillipe Senderos had to pull out from the Manchester City match, the decision seemed to backfire on Wenger.

But one thing about Arsene, is that he usually buy players who are adaptable to a number of positions. The experienced Gilberto Silva stepped into the back four with ease and Matthieu Flamini dropped into the right back position when Bacary Sagna was injured.

Thus, it would not be too much of a worry and now Senderos is available again it is hoped that the injury problems would not pose too much of a threat to our campaign.

The reason, Arsene stressed is to give Djourou more time on the pitch rather warming his bums on the bench, watching gloomly as Toure and Gallas were fielded yet again. With Toure going for the African Nations' Cup in January, Djourou has already played all season with the Blues and would readily step in to partner either Gallas or Senderos in defence.

Arsene knows - and plans accordingly.

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