Kanu joins Arsenal casualty ward

13 April 2012

Arsenal face further injury problems in the build-up to the new season after striker Kanu was carried off on a stretcher with an ankle injury last night.

The Nigeria World Cup forward caught his studs in the turf in the 2-1 victory over Barnet at Underhill and had to be carried off after twisting badly.

Manager Arsene Wenger is already without England Under 21 international Francis Jeffers, who is definitely out of Sunday's

Community Shield match against Liverpool at Cardiff. Earlier, Kanu had been Arsenal's best player in this latest pre-season friendly and he gave his side a 22nd-minute lead with a trademark skilful chip.

Wenger said: 'It's a worry because he twisted the same ankle playing in the World Cup.

'It looks bad for him in terms of this Sunday's game against Liverpool, but he will have tests and we will have to see about his fitness for the new season.'

Conference side Barnet hit back with an equaliser on the hour from captain and former Spurs defender Mark Arber.

Substitute Arsenal defender Matthew Upson saved Arsenal any further embarrassment when he headed in the winner with 10 minutes to go.

Wenger, meanwhile, refuses to be drawn into a war of words with his Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson. The United manager had suggested Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira wanted to move to Old Trafford and that United were still the bigger club despite Arsenal's Double success last season.

Wenger said: 'It is a bit early for mind games and we will not take these things too seriously.

'We will do our talking on the pitch and the important thing is that we stay focused.

'Patrick Vieira is our player, our captain and I know that he is fully committed to the future of the club.'

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Kanu joins Arsenal casualty ward

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