Arsenal Team News: Wenger Rules Duo Out But Midfielder Ready To Return

Arsenal continue the defence of the FA Cup when they take on Reading in the Semi-Finals at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening.

Ahead of the game, Arsene Wenger has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this morning and he’s given Arsenal.com a team news and injury update.

Unfortunately, the boss confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain won’t be available for selection this weekend as he continues to nurse a groin injury.

The midfielder hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester United in the quarter finals last month but his comeback was delayed after he picked up a groin problem which will keep him out for at least another two weeks.

Wenger also confirmed that Mikel Arteta is still not back in contention yet as he’s lacking match fitness following over five months out with a calf injury.

However, there was some positive news as Jack Wilshere is now considered fit and available for selection after overcoming an ankle injury.

Wilshere originally suffered the problem back in November but after several complications delayed his comeback, the midfielder is now ready to return for the first team after playing for the under-21’s in recent weeks.

Here is what Arsene told the clubs website:

on the team news…

We have a big squad available for selection and we just have Arteta (match fitness) and Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) unavailable. Everybody else should be alright.

on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain…

He’s at least two weeks away.

on Jack Wilshere…

He has improved physically and I think he is available for selection on Saturday.

It’s a shame that Oxlade-Chamberlain is still out but we have plenty of other options in attack so should be able to deal with Reading in his absence.

Wilshere’s return is a major boost but I still don’t think he’ll come straight back into the starting line-up so I expect to see him among the subs this weekend.