Wojciech Szczęsny (Ankle), Theo Walcott (Muscle) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Hip) are all poised for a return to the first team on Saturday. Players will undergo a late fitness test on Friday to determine whether they can make it or not.

Precaution taken with Sagna

Bacary Sagna will also have a test on Friday for “general fatigue” according to Arsenal, rather than for any kind of injury.

He has played 3 games in pretty quick succession, and is sensibly being monitored closely in case of any knock on effect after his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Long Term injury problems

Abou Diaby (thigh), Kieran Gibbs (thigh) and Tomas Rosicky (tendon) have all been added to a list of players whose injuries are thought to be more long term.  There had been signs recently that Rosicky might be close to fitness, but it seems that he’s still a little ways off.

Perhaps more worryingly though, is the inclusion of Kieran Gibbs in the long-term injury list. His “minor thigh strain” has kept him out of action for 3 weeks now and will be a worry for Arsene Wenger going forward.

Gervinho’s ankle problem

Finally, there are still questions over the fitness of Gervinho. The Ivory Coast international has missed the last few weeks with an ankle problem and won’t make the team that plays Tottenham.

Gervinho is expected to play with the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations in January/February, so Arsenal will be eager to get him back sooner rather than later.

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