Clichy hands Arsenal a boost

http://images.skysports.com/images/p...clichy_run.jpg

Gael Clichy is hoping to ease Arsenal's defensive crisis by returning to training next week.

The French full back has been sidelined since last November with a fractured foot and has missed out on plenty of first team action with Ashley Cole injured.

Arsene Wenger will be relieved to hear the 20-year-old is well along the road to recovery after an operation on the foot.

"I feel really good," Clichy told Arsenal's official website. "I have been working with the fitness coach since last week.

"I hope that I can be back in the next week or maybe two weeks' time.

"I am looking forward to playing again and helping the team.

"I'll take it calm right now and hope that next week could be a good one for me."

Arsenal have been forced to chop and change in defence this season and their form has suffered, particularly on their travels.