Defender Silvestre could leave

ARSENAL defender Mikael Silvestre could quit the Emirates Stadium if he cannot force his way into the first team.
He admitted being frustrated by his lack of opportunities as he was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Gunners beat Aston Villa on Sunday.
Silvestre, 32, who won the Premiership five times with Manchester United, now faces talks with manager Arsene Wenger in the next three months to discuss his future. He has seen William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen form a first-choice partnership in the centre of the Arsenal defence and has been restricted to only a handful of games this term.
“It’s frustrating not to play,” said Silvestre on Sunday. “That’s what everyone wants to do at the end of the day. It’s also part of the game to be ready for any opportunities so you have to look on the bright side. I’m fit. I can play in different positions and I’ve also had the responsibility to lead the young side in the Carling Cup. Let’s see if my experience can help the team more in the second half of the season.”
Rather than be considered the obvious man to fill in if either Gallas or Vermaelen become injured or suspended, there has been talk that Wenger may want to strengthen in that area when the January transfer window opens. There is also a queue for places in the full-back positions. But Silvestre is not even thinking about hanging up his boots and has had frank conversations with Wenger.
“We spoke earlier in the season and agreed that I would stay here until my contract finished at the end of the season at least,” the defender said. “I intend to keep my word and we’ll see what happens next.”
RICHARD OSLEY