Gilberto Struggling With Lack Of Starts

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has admitted that his lack of first team football so far this season has been frustrating.

Gilberto have started just four of Arsenal’s games this season so far, even then only two have been in his favoured position in the central midfield.

The Brazilian missed the vast majority of pre-season, having been involved in the Copa America towards the end of the summer. In his absence Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas have formed an excellent partnership that has seen the side go on a nine game winning streak.

The 30-year-old has admitted his frustration, but insists he will respect his manager’s decisions.


“Yes, it has been so frustrating,” Gilberto told Arsenal’s official website. “I am on the bench not because of my quality or something like that but because I came back late. It is so hard.


“The only thing I need to do is do my job, respect the manager's decision, respect the other players and the way they play at the moment.


“Of course, when I have the opportunity I want to do the best I can for the team like I have done but it's a slight difference compared to other years.


“It is the first time I haven't been in the team [since I came here]. I confess to you it has been so hard for me.


“Of course I want to come back and play again in my position central midfield. But you need to respect that Mathieu and Cesc are playing very well.


“It is visible to everybody and I need to respect the manager's decision. I will do my best to return to the team. I will see in the next few games what will happen.”