Arsenal
Arsenal Team News: Wenger Confirms Boost But Key Man Faces Late Test
Arsene Wenger has confirmed a major boost with the news that Mohamed Elneny is fit and available for Arsenal’s clash with Hull but another key man is a doubt
Arsenal will look to get their season back on track when we welcome Hull City to the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime.
Ahead of the game, Arsene Wenger has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this morning and he’s given reporters a team news and injury update.
The boss started off by confirming a major boost with the news that Mohamed Elneny is fit and available for selection after returning from international duty this week.
Elneny has been away at the African Cup of Nations for the last five weeks where he helped his country reach the final and even scored during last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Cameroon.
The midfielder overcame a minor calf injury to play in the final and showed no ill-effects after the game, and Wenger says Elneny has practiced since returning to the club on Wednesday and is available to face Hull this weekend.
However, Bellerin remains a doubt for the visit of the Tigers as he’ll require a late fitness test after being knocked out during last weeks 3-1 defeat at Chelsea.
The full-back has been unable to train this week following the incident, as per FA guidelines, but he’s been passing his tests and will be assessed at London Colney on Friday before his availability this weekend is determined.
Should the club decide to give Bellerin more time to recover from his head knock, then Gabriel is on stand-by to deputise at right-back but Hector should be available to face Bayern Munich next Wednesday at the latest.
At Colney. Wenger: “Elneny is back. Apart from that, there is a question about Bellerin. He is going through tests, we’ll know tomorrow.”
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) February 9, 2017
“At the moment he (Bellerin) has not practised. Elneny has practised, he is fully-focused and has a great mentality.” #AFC
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) February 9, 2017
Arsenal head in to the game off the back of consecutive defeats to Watford and Chelsea but they’ll be confident of getting back to winning ways against Hull.
