Interlulling and Jack Wilshere

Anybody remember this guy?

Morning guys.  Holiday over; back to work.  We've reached the interlull so there isn't a lot happening in the way of Arsenal news, and I guess we can expect that for the next week or so.  Barring any international duty injuries, God forbid, it should be kind of a slow week for all things AFC.

Of course there's at least one obligatory article each week where one of our players is quoted, saying something about how they believe we can win trophies.  Not knocking it by any means.  That's the type of thing you like to hear.   Now I'm just hoping we can back it up.  There are also some stories circulating about new contracts for Ox, Sagna and Gibbs.  I'm definitely in favor of doing whatever necessary to secure the employment of these three players, so hopefully there will be developments on that in the coming days.  It also appears, based on comments made by Arsene himself, that Jack Wilshere is getting closer to fitness and could return in as early as a month.  It's a crowded midfield right now, but I like the depth and adding Wilshere to the equation could really accelerate the competition for playing time, which I think is a good thing for us.

Speaking of the interlull itself, I'd be lying if I told you I get really excited for international play.  Don't get me wrong, I'll watch a ton of it, but here in the States the media and public aren't exactly all abuzz with anticipation over USA vs. Jamaica.  For most of the country, these matches will come and go without anybody having realized they happened.  American football starts this week and I probably don't have to tell you how insane we get over that, and it won't do much in terms of publicity for a WQ qualifier.  For myself personally, even though I'll be behind the USMNT all the way, I don't have as strong of a connection with the team as I'd like.  I don't watch much MLS, and since there are no Americans at Arsenal, my experience with watching American's play football comes in small doses.  On the other side of the coin, I don't live in a country that's guaranteed to qualify, so these matches are important for us and that definitely lends something to the excitement.

Other than that, I'll be making some general upgrades to the blog this week, and also I'll be active over at my Facebook page which has started to gain some momentum.  Lots of interesting conversations happening there.  Also, please follow me on Twitter (@thearsenalxi).  I'm a total Twitter noob but hoping to get some followers so I can reach out to more Gooners.  That's it guys.  See you tomorrow.