The mystery of Denilson's whereabouts has
intensified after the Brazilian was once again omitted from the
Arsenal squad to face Manchester United this weekend and the club
failed to provide any sort of explanation for his
absence.
The young Brazilian has not been seen since being an unused
substitute in the San Siro over a month ago and would have been in
contention to make a start at Old Trafford this weekend following
Mathieu Flamini's ankle injury. However, Denilson's name was
conspicuous by its absence from the 17-man squad named for the
trip.
While Flamini has been added to the 'Injury News' section on Arsenal's website, no
mention of Denilson has been made on the page. Nor has the club
updated his personal profile on their site to provide any
sort of insight as to why he has disappeared from view.
Meanwhile, with Flamini out of action and Denilson out of sight,
Gilberto Silva is set to play alongside Cesc Fabregas against the
league leaders. The news should fill Arsenal with foreboding:
Gilberto deputised for Flamini when the Gunners were thrashed 4-0
at Old Trafford in February and Arsenal have won only two of the
Premiership and Champions League matches the Brazilian has started
this term.