Gilberto: I want to start

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has said that he hopes to get more first team action and fight for his first team place. The departures of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue to the African Nations whilst Arsenal also have injury worries may see more games for the Brazilian who is repeatedly linked with Juventus.

"It is nice to get a chance to play a full game but of course I am doing the best I can to get back in the team," Gilberto told the club's official website.

"I will see what happens but of course I want to play in the first XI and I will do my best to achieve that."

The 2002 World Cup winner added: "A big squad is important. At the moment we have a few injuries, but we have other players who can do a great job.

"The manager needs to change the team in some positions but we keep the same spirit and the same way of playing."