Updated Jan 27, 2011 3:13 PM ET Manuel Almunia could be included in Arsenal's squad for Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie with Huddersfield. The Spanish goalkeeper has been sidelined with elbow and ankle problems since the 3-2 defeat by West Brom last September.
Defender Sebastien Squillaci and midfielder Abou Diaby have recovered from respective hamstring and calf problems and will take their places in the squad. Winger Tomas Rosicky could also be back after being laid low by sickness while right-back Bacary Sagna may be ready to face Huddersfield after receiving a blow to the head against Ipswich on Tuesday night. "Squillaci and Diaby will be in a squad," manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. "The only uncertainty I have is Rosicky. I don't know if he'll be fit or not. He was really sick. Almunia has a chance, Lukasz Fabianski no and with Thomas Vermaelen we need to be patient. "Sagna is as good as he can be. Yesterday he was at home and he still had a little bit of a headache. All the examinations made at the hospital were clean. "He should be available for Sunday. If not Sunday then on Tuesday (against Everton)." Arsenal striker Benik Afobe is on loan at Huddersfield but is not eligible to play at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Updated Jan 28, 2011 12:21 PM ET Benfica have issued a statement to the Portuguese stock exchange saying they have called off talks with Chelsea over defender David Luiz.
The two clubs have been locked in negotiations for the past week, and they had looked very close to striking a deal. It is understood the main stumbling block has been how any transfer would be paid for, and now Benfica have seemingly decided to end the talks. They have issued a statement on Friday which read: "Negotiations between Benfica and Chelsea FC, with a view to the possible transfer of David Luiz, were concluded today without the parties reaching an agreement. "Benfica is happy to keep a player with the quality and morality of David Luiz. "Contrary to what some reports have suggested in recent days, David Luiz never tried to force a move, he is a model professional, and worthy of the shirt."
Updated Jan 29, 2011 2:12 PM ET Out-of-favour Manchester City keeper Shay Given says he would be willing to move to the Championship on loan in order to gain match-sharpness.
The Irishman has taken a back seat to England No.1 Joe Hart at Eastlands this season, making just four appearances for the club, none of which were in the Premier League. Given is understood to have attracted interest from the Championship during this month's transfer window, and the 34-year-old says he would be prepared to go out on loan, as long as he could return at 24 hours' notice if needed. He told the Daily Mail: "I just want to play. I do not want to go for an entire season without playing and I am prepared to go to a Championship club and be on a 24-hour call-back. "That would benefit me, by getting me match-sharp, and City, who would have an experienced, match-sharp goalkeeper to come in if Joe got injured." Republic of Ireland international Given arrived at City from Newcastle in February 2009. The veteran was a regular between the sticks under former manager Mark Hughes, but has fallen down the pecking order since Roberto Mancini took charge.