Gallas out!

Watching the Arsenal match this weekend, when my cable was not on the fritz, I got a nice scare when Gallas went down awkwardly immediately calling to be substituted. On the replay I feared torn knee ligaments...fortunately it appears it is not that severe. However bad enough for Gallas to be out for 3 weeks...not good for Arsenal and really not good for France. Why? Not because they face Slovakia tomorrow in a friendly, but because they face Italy and Scotland in the next round of the Euro qualifiers. These matches are two huge games to determine who will emerge from the group to head to Austria/Switzerland next summer.

Gallas played a vital role in the 3-1 drubbing the French gave the Italians end of last summer in Paris in their Euro qualifier, he will be sorely missed. But I would not be too nervous if I had faith in Domenech's ability to put the right combination at the center of the French defense. However I fear he will look at Boumsong before he takes the better options of Mexes, Thuram and Squillaci (or even Escude if he is healthy). Mexes should be partnered with Thuram.

Mexes is arguably on of the best defenders in the Italian Serie A. He plays against the majority of the players France will be facing versus the Italians on a regular basis, so knows them and will not be intimidated by the hostile crowd. Additionally, he has some offensive ability and skill a valuable asset considering Sagnol will not be available so the French will need to infuse some offensive threat on their back line.

Alas, I fear Domenech will find a way to have Boumsong partner with Thuram....if that is the case look for the Azzurri to throw attacks right down the middle of the pitch.