German international forward Lukas Podolski is nearing a return from the injury that has kept him out of action for two months.
Podolski scored twice against Fulham at Craven Cottage in August before limping from the field in a Champions League qualifier at the Emirates with a hamstring problem.
At the time, Arsenal’s injury crisis was at its peak and the layoff to Podolski was yet another nail in the Emirates coffin.
However since, the emergence of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere’s regaining of fitness has boosted the Arsenal midfield, not to mention the added bonus of a certain former Real Madrid man.
The 28-year-old has not played with Mesut Ozil while in an Arsenal shirt, however will no doubt be relishing the chance to link up with his international teammate out in his wide position.
Too many pieces in the Arsenal jigsaw…
Questions would have been asked about whether Podolski would be able to make the first team had the Gunners boasted a full strength side, however the abdomen injury to Theo Walcott which is set to keep the flying winger out of England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers will surely mean a sooner return to action than expected.
Serge Gnabry will more than likely start against Norwich on October 19th, as Podolski looks to regain match-fitness. Yet the German international who has over 110 caps for his national side looks aesthetically fit having posted a photo of him training on his Instagram account, with the caption:
‘An intensive week of training found its end. I’m working hard for my comeback!’
The return of Podolski is has come at a great time for Arsene Wenger, as Mikel Arteta and Thomas Vermaelen near their own comebacks after hefty layoffs. All three face an uphill battle to regain their spot in the Arsenal side which is sitting pretty at the Premier League’s top-end.
Although senior stars like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Abou Diaby and aforementioned Theo Walcott remain sidelined, Wenger’s squad is nearing full potential again the pressure on current first teamers being rapidly relieved.
Competition in the squad will be healthy, as the depth of the team continues to increase day-by-day.
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