Arsenal
Arsenal Star To Miss West Ham But Wenger Offers Positive Injury Update On Key Man
Arsene Wenger has confirmed a defender will miss Arsenal’s trip to West Ham but there was positive news on a key midfielder.
Arsenal will look to close-in on the top four with a win when they take on West Ham at the London Stadium tomorrow evening.
Ahead of the game, Arsene Wenger has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this morning and he’s offered reporters a team news and injury update.
The boss confirmed that Shkodran Mustafi won’t be available for selection tomorrow night as the defender is still working his way back to full fitness following a thigh injury.
The German international was forced off early on during our 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend after suffering a thigh problem and sat out the games with BATE Borisov and Southampton.
Wenger had initially hoped Mustafi would be fit to return against West Ham but despite the centre-back returning to training, the clubs medical staff don’t think he’s ready to make his comeback just yet – although he should be available to face Newcastle at the weekend.
Aaron Ramsey will also miss the trip across London to take on West Ham on Wednesday night after picking up a hamstring injury during the closing stages of the draw at Southampton.
There were fears the midfielder was facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he’s had a history of hamstring issues in the past, however, Wenger delivered a positive update this morning.
The boss claims Ramsey’s latest injury is only a minor issue so the Welsh international is only expected to be on the sidelines for a ‘short period’.
Wenger is quoted as saying by the Metro:
“Mustafi will not be back. He is out training, running but not playing yet so the medical staff have decided he is not completely ready.
“Will he be ready for Newcastle? Maybe, yes.”
“We lost Ramsey against Southampton. He will not be available for tomorrow’s game.
‘It’s his hamstring. Normally a short period. Not a big one.’
“Everybody else apart from the long-term injuries will be available.”
Mustafi’s continued absence means Wenger has a void to fill at the back and he may consider recalling Rob Holding tomorrow night after Per Mertesacker’s disappointing display at Southampton.
Ramsey’s injury means there will definitely be a change in midfield and it could open the door for Jack Wilshere to make his first Premier League start of the season.
