Arsenal
Arsenal Team News: Wenger Confirms Double Boost, Duo Out + Defender Available
Arsene Wenger has confirmed a double injury boost ahead of Arsenal’s clash with West Ham but two others are ruled out while a defender is available.
Arsenal will look to close in on the top four when they entertain West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
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 has confirmed that Laurent Koscielny has been ruled out of the game after suffering an Achilles injury during the first half of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Wenger isn’t sure whether the centre-back will be out for weeks or a matter of days but Koscielny is due to undergo a scan today to determine the full extent of the injury.
Petr Cech is also still unavailable as he continues to recover from a calf injury that he picked up before the international break but our number one could be back for the trip to Palace next week.
There was positive news on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey as the midfielders are expected to return to the squad against West Ham after missing the draw with City.
Oxlade-Chamberlain had a minor hamstring problem last week while Ramsey has a calf complaint but both trained yesterday and are hoping to pass their fitness tests this afternoon.
With Koscielny ruled out, Wenger has confirmed that Per Mertesacker is available and could be back in the squad tomorrow as he looks to make a rare appearance having missed most of the season with a knee injury.
Wenger is quoted as saying by the Daily Star:
“We lose Koscielny. For how long? I don’t know. It could be a few weeks, or he could be available against Crystal Palace [on Monday April 10].
“He has a scan today. I can tell you much more tomorrow.”
“Chamberlain and Ramsey have a test today. There is a good chance they are back in the squad.
“Per Mertesacker is available to play. He could be in the squad for tomorrow.
“Cech is not available. Maybe Monday.”
Arsenal head in to the midweek action sitting sixth in the Premier League table and seven points adrift of the top four so we desperately need to get back to winning ways with a victory over the Hammers tomorrow night.
