Arsene Wenger has been speaking today in regards to his player’s availability leading up to the game against Crystal Palace this coming Sunday.

Ramsey

It was bad news for the Arsenal in regards to the Welshman who had thought to be in the frame to return for Tuesday’s match at Southampton. Today Wenger once again confirmed Arsenal fan’s fears over Ramsey’s fitness.

‘Ramsey will be out for longer because he had a setback and it doesn't look too good. It is matter of some weeks for him.’

This latest setback is a major blow for the Arsenal as Ramsey had been expected to return for a crucial set of fixtures in February but now the onus will be on Jack Wilshere to recover in time for these games.

Wilshere

It seems Arsenal will once again have to make do without the in form Wilshere for the weekend’s game with Crystal Palace but Arsene Wenger is confident he will recover in time for the following fixture against Liverpool.

‘We have good news. For Sunday he will be short but he has a chance to be available for the week after at Liverpool.’

Wilshere’s return will be crucial as the midfield in midweek against Southampton was extremely static with the Arteta/Flamini axis proving particularly unsuccessful. Wilshere’s return will give the team more dynamism which proved key in the earlier fixture this season against Liverpool which saw Arsenal dominate the midfield area.

Rosicky fitness and Flamini Suspension

Confusion concerning the length of Mathieu Flamini’s suspension today has ended as Arsenal have clarified the combative midfielder will miss the club’s next three league fixtures against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Manchester United. Meanwhile Wenger is hopeful Tomas Rosicky can return to action this weekend.

‘We could have Rosicky back again for Sunday. He had problems after surgery on his nose. So we lose Flamini but we gain Rosicky.’

This is another welcome return for the Gunners who will need as many of their squad to stay fit as this month has the look of a ‘make or break’ period about it.

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