A tough 120 minutes at Wembley this weekend has brought more uncertainty to Arsenal’s ever growing injury list ahead of a crucial Premier League fixture with West Ham United.
Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey, Lukas Podolski, Nacho Monreal and Tomas Rosicky all remain doubtful for the London Derby.
Wojciech Szczesny is expected to return despite an impressive cup performance by his fellow countryman Lukas Fabianski in goal.
Countless Injuries
The list of injuries just seems to keep getting bigger and bigger for Arsenal. One might wonder where their season would have gone if key players had managed to stay fit at this crucial time of the season.
On the injuries for tomorrow Wenger said, “I cannot give you complete team news because many of them have to be checked today. We have plenty of uncertainties for muscular problems and fatigue”
He went on to highlight his key concerns from Saturday.
“The main uncertainties are Monreal who had to come off. Podolski had a little problem but I think he will be alright, then Oxlade-Chamberlain because he was not even supposed to play on Saturday. Ramsey who had to come off for muscle tightness. They are the main problems”
Every game is a must win now for Wenger’s side as the race for fourth is no longer in their hands. However, with Everton having to face both Manchester United and Manchester City, Arsenal must give themselves every chance by winning their remaining games.
Arsenal’s injury problems were highlighted this weekend with youngsters Tomas Eisfield and Chuba Akpom included on the bench. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was in clear distress in extra time but was seemingly kept on due to the options Wenger had on the bench.
Crucial
With West Ham having nine days rest compared to Arsenal’s three, this match, more than any, would have been ideal for squad rotation. However, it seems Arsene Wenger may just have to go with what he has available and hope that the three points can be achieved against a West Ham team that will probably be safe from relegation with one more win.
The manager was optimistic about Arsenal’s chances of reaching the top four following the hard fought win over the weekend.
“The quality of our performances, the quality of our spirit and our focus makes me think we can finish in the top four”
An early goal will be important in this match for Arsenal. Letting the game go on as a without a lead, with West Ham’s advantage of having a lot more rest would not be ideal for the Gunners. West Ham are suited to defending deep for long periods, and an early goal will force West Ham to come out and attack allowing Arsenal to counter attack and with a vastly superior attack that will suit the Arsenal.
Rosicky and Koscielny
In some rare good news regarding injuries, tomorrow’s game may see the return of two Arsenal players. Tomas Rosicky and Laurent Koscielny are on the verge of returning but it will take late tests to confirm if they will make it into the first eleven.
On the two Wenger commented, “Maybe Rosicky and Koscielny - we'll have to test him definitely today. There are plenty of uncertainties so I have to make up my mind late on”
Even if not fit for the West Ham game, this news should bode well with Arsenal fans who will be desperate to see the return of the influential couple over the course of some massive games for the club.
Jack
In news more helpful to England fans than Arsenal perhaps, Arsene Wenger has said that Jack Wilshere will have an important few weeks ahead of him in his return to fitness.
“Jack should start to jog this week. It is all going well, but we have to monitor him now day by day. I think the next three weeks will be very important for him”
The absence of Wilshere has been clear in recent weeks, as alongside Ramsey, the midfield has looked less dynamic with Arsenal fans growing impatient of Mikel Arteta in particular. Alongside Ramsey and Wilshere, the Spaniard was performing superbly in a less advanced role early in the season, but in their absence his pace and dynamism have been seriously tested. Injuries however mean that it looks like he will continue in his role.
Expected line-up
Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Arteta, Kallstrom; Rosicky, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud.
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