Arsenal Boss Reveals Fresh Injury Blow + Cazorla Update

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Kieran Gibbs was forced to miss the West Brom game because of a back injury while Santi Cazorla has also offered an update on his recovery.

Gibbs has endured a frustrating season having been restricted to playing a supporting role to Nacho Monreal with the Spaniard making the left-back spot his own with a string of consistent displays.

The 26-year-old was tipped by many to get a recall to the starting eleven against West Brom last night with the England international hoping to impress Roy Hodgson ahead of his Euro 2016 squad announcement.

However, Gibbs was a surprise name to be left out of the squad when the teams were announced last night and Wenger confirmed after the game that the defender was forced to miss out due to a back problem.

Thankfully the injury isn’t thought to be serious and Gibbs was able to train on Thursday, so we might see the full-back pushing for a start when we travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland on Sunday.

Wenger told Arsenal.com:

on Kieran Gibbs’ absence from the squad…
[He had] a back problem. It looks short term. He had a training session today.

Our injury woes have eased in recent weeks and Santi Cazorla is the latest player who is close to making his return to action after returning to full training last week following five months on the sidelines.

Cazorla was initially ruled out for four months with a knee ligament injury but his comeback was delayed for a further month after he aggravated a long-standing Achilles problem in training.

However, while the 31-year-old says he still needs to build up his fitness before he’s ready to play for the first team again, he hopes to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

Cazorla told Arsenal.com:

“I’m happy to be nearing a return to the team. Obviously it’s been difficult for me to be out for a long period of time.

“I still have a little way to go until I’m back to my best and can play with the team. I’m training with them now so I can return as soon as possible.

Santi won’t be considered for selection for Sunday’s trip to Sunderland but there’s a chance Wenger might bring him back in to the squad for next weeks clash with Norwich at the Emirates if he’s able to get another full weeks training under his belt.