Arsenal Team News: Wenger Confirms Fresh Injury Concern + Star Faces Late Test

Arsenal will look to close the gap on the top four when we take on West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns 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 confirmed a fresh injury concern with the news that Kieran Gibbs is a doubt for the trip to the Hawthorns on Saturday after picking up a knock during our FA Cup win over Lincoln City last weekend.

Wenger didn’t give any further details on the injury other than to say Gibbs was a doubt for the game but Nacho Monreal is on stand-by for a recall if he’s ruled out.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could also miss the West Brom clash as the midfielder is facing a late fitness test after suffering a hamstring injury during the win over Lincoln.

The 23-year-old limped off holding his thigh midway through the first half against the non-league side last weekend and he may now sit out the Baggies game on Saturday.

It would be a big blow to lose him as The Ox has been excellent in a central midfield role in recent weeks, however, his absence would be softened by Mohamed Elneny’s return to the squad.

The Egyptian international has missed our last three games in all competitions after suffering an ankle injury during our FA Cup win at Sutton last month but he’s back in full training and in contention to face West Brom.

Wenger says Gibbs and Ox are uncertainties for West Brom game. Elneny already back in the squad.

— Mattias Karén (@MattiasKaren) March 16, 2017

Wenger didn’t offer an update on Danny Welbeck at his press conference this morning but the striker is expected to be back in the squad after missing the last two games through illness.

Otherwise, the only other injury concern we have is Santi Cazorla as he’s not expected to play again this season due to a serious Achilles problem.