The key moment of the game - I'd rather he hadn't scored and not got injured, but such is life.

He was linking so well with JD - wasn't it groin problems that kept him out at start of season, and cost us dearly then as well.

It's also been such a blow that Barnard has been injured all season, I think Lee would have been a great addition to the squad this season.

If ,as rumours suggest, we can sell Mido for £3M to city, then Barnard could have an important role to play for team, when he is fit.

Lets hope Berbatov is fir for the Arsenal next week. To tell you the truth, even at the risk of us screwing up, I think we should play no1 important against Southend who we plan to play against Arsenal, other than players who are returning from match fitness and need some game time. I would Give Rocha his debut, but put Lee and Stalteri at full backs and keep Gardner with Rocha in the middle in hope of Kings being fit for wednesday. Would give Jenas a run out if he can, alongside possibly Zokora, and put Ghali on the right and Davids on the left, with Keane and Mido up front. Theoretically this is a strong side, but all these players have something to prove and we'll know a lot more about them if they fail to do it against Southend. I don't think Lennon, Defoe, Huddlestone, King and Berbatov (if they are fit), or Malbranque or either of last nights full backs should be risked. I don't care if Robinson plays, the way he's going recently he'll end up second string soon anyway (if Jol has any balls that is).

Normally minor groin strains are 2-3 weeks minimum.

Sounds dodgy to me. Groin injuries are normally very hard to treat and get rid off. Without Berbatov we are very ordinary and his injury seems to have cost us the game last night.

Selling Mido is definitely NOT an option now. This is when he must prove his worth and recapture some form - if he doesn't our season will crumble without Berbatov and our other current problems.

The Southend game should be our main focus now. The Carling cup final is out of sight unless we get lucky at the Arab Stadium, but the FA cup is the best chance we have of qualifying for Europe. Therefore NO players should be rested against a Southend side that we had a lot of problems opening up in the Carling Cup. Remember that even losing the FA cup final might send you into Europe...and we desperately need to get there.

I agree with your team, perhaps giving King and Jenas a half to get him match fit for Wednesday.

Judging from the performance last night, I might want to disagree about the no player resting part as I think THUD definitely needs a good rest. We need players with battling qualities especially when we play against teams like Southend so I say bring in Davids or Ghaly instead.

We can't let Mido go now, this is why all big clubs need 4 forwards!

Normally you'll have one who will be carrying a knock or injured, one who couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo, one who is banging them in for fun and another who is fit. We now have Berbs who is injured, Robbie Keane who has just returned from injury (and looked it last night), Defoe, who is playing well and Mido, who has also just returned from injury.

We find it hard enough to score goals away from home, we need options up front! If MJ thinks we should get rid of Mido in this window we will do nothing this season because you can't ever legislate for players picking up injuries and need good back up.

On another note as much as I rate Robbo I really do think that Cerny needs a game this weekend.......

Coys

Ive heard a strong rumour that we are looking at Harewood...

pending a possible appeal we are through to the last 16 of UEFA - really good news if it sticks....we need to get the lads some rest.

PS A lot of folks are giving Hudd a hard time...first full prem season he is going to have a little dip....he will come good soon.

We are so dependent on Berbatov it's untrue. In fact, we don't look like scoring unless we play both Lennon and Berbatov, and even then we don't look like scoring if we're not at White Hart Lane.

Similarly, we lack confidence at the back without King. Three players whose fitness is essential. Unfortunately, all three have had at least two injuries this season, and are likely to continue to pick up knocks.

it just goes to show us that if we miss one of our best players like Berbatov we struggle why can this be we are playing kids and they are missing nearly a full team

Its on the official site that we have been awarded a bye in the Uefa cup. Hopefully that will give Berbs a chance to get fit before our next european game.

my source has just updated me:-

I hear reo cocker is at spurs today. Gareth bale was there on Monday
with his dad - but thought the place was shite.

Good news that we have got a bye in europe then, hopefully he will be back for the next round.

We will miss him massivly.

strongly agree with uncle buck - we need 4 experienced strikers, i know Mido is volatile and often injured but would seem silly to sell him on now when we're in desperate need of a big man up front - espec if Berb is out for a while

'hopefully' always a bad sign when that word is used

Yes. Even if this is a 'grade one' strain (the least damaging) it's usually 3 weeks out as a general rule.....let's hope he's a quick healer.....