Arsenal
Arsenal Team News: Wenger Confirms Quadruple Boost But Midfielder Ruled Out
Arsene Wenger has confirmed a quadruple injury boost ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Burnley but a key midfielder is facing at least two more weeks out.
Arsenal will look to continue their excellent form when they travel to Turf Moor to take on relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday night.
Ahead of the game, Arsene Wenger has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference today and has given Arsenal.com a team news and injury update.
The Gunners boss confirmed that Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby all came through their run-outs for the Under-21’s on Tuesday unscathed and are now available for selection after overcoming various long-term injuries.
Mathieu Debuchy didn’t play in midweek as we can only field three players over 21 but he is also fully-fit again after recovering from a dislocated shoulder that he suffered back in January, although Wenger admits the Frenchman still lacks some match fitness.
As I reported earlier, Wojciech Szczesny could return to the squad after missing the Liverpool game with a hip injury while Laurent Koscielny faces a late fitness test on a thigh complaint but the initial scans look positive.
However, there was some bad news from Wenger’s team news update as the boss confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still facing at least another two weeks out with the hamstring injury that he suffered against Manchester United last month.
Here’s what Arsene told the clubs website:
on Diaby, Arteta and Wilshere…
They came through the game on Tuesday well. They were at a good level physically and they should all be available from now on until the end of the season hopefully.
on Debuchy…
Debuchy is alright. I can only play three players over 21 [in the under-21 league] so he is physically fit and ready. He lacks a bit of a competitive edge but overall he has no medical problems.
on Szczesny…
He has a chance to be fit this weekend.
on Koscielny…
It’s a thigh problem, a little hip problem linked with the thigh. He will have a test today to see how far we can go with him. He had a scan yesterday and that looks quite good. The real test will be outside today.
on Oxlade-Chamberlain…
He’s still out for at least two more weeks.
on the rest of the squad’s availability…
Everybody else seems to be available.
So the squad is in excellent shape with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the only injury concern as it stands. It’s great to have some key men available again as it gives the boss options all over the pitch.
However, I’d be surprised if we see any of the returning players chosen to start this weekend. They’ve all been out for over four months and have only had a run-out with the Under-21’s so I expect the likes of Debuchy, Wilshere and Arteta to be on the bench at best against Burnley.
