Arsenal Boss Confirms Huge Injury Boost Ahead Of Chelsea Showdown

Arsene Wenger has confirmed a huge injury boost ahead of Arsenal’s crucial clash with Chelsea after revealing that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should be fit for the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Oxlade-Chamberlain came on to replace Aaron Ramsey – who was forced off with a calf strain – in the 20th minute during Arsenal’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Watford at the Emirates last night.

The 23-year-old performed well in the middle of the park but was seen limping with about 15 minutes to go and was clearly struggling to run freely, sparking fears he had also suffered an untimely injury.

However, speaking to the media after last night’s shock loss, Wenger eased fears over Oxlade-Chamberlain by revealing that the midfielder only suffered a kick to his knee and the Arsenal boss is confident he’ll be fit to face Chelsea this weekend.

The Frenchman told Arsenal.com:

on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain limping…
He got a kick on his knee, yes.

on whether Oxlade-Chamberlain is a doubt for the Chelsea game…
No, I don’t think so. I think he should be alright.

The news will come as a welcome relief to Arsenal as they head in to the Chelsea game already dealing with something of a crisis in midfield with four of their first team regulars unavailable for selection.

Ramsey picked up a calf strain last night and while Wenger doesn’t know how long the Welshman will be sidelines for he’s certain to miss the trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Granit Xhaka will serve the third of his four-game suspension, Mohamed Elneny is still away at the Africa Cup of Nations while Santi Cazorla is no closer to returning from a long-term Achilles injury.

It leaves Wenger with little option but to play Oxlade-Chamberlain alongside Francis Coquelin in the middle of the park at Chelsea, which isn’t ideal as the Gunners go searching for a win to keep alive any slim hopes of catching the run-away leaders.

Last night’s shock defeat at home to Watford has left Arsenal sitting third in the Premier League table and nine points adrift of Chelsea following their draw at Anfield so Wenger will know they need a win at the Bridge on Saturday so stand and realistic chance of winning the title.