Arsenal Team News: Wenger’s Update On Ozil, Ramsey & More Ahead Of Man City

Arsenal will look to bounce back from their Europa League defeat last night when they take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon.

Arsene Wenger has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this morning and he’s provided a team news and injury update ahead of the game.

The boss confirmed that Aaron Ramsey looks to be winning his race to be fit for the showpiece event at Wembley but will be handed a late fitness test today before his availability is confirmed.

Ramsey has missed our last three games after picking up a groin problem shortly after scoring a hat-trick during our 5-1 victory over Everton at the start of the month.

The Welsh international returned to training earlier this week and wasn’t risked against Ostersunds last night but a final decision over his fitness will be made on Saturday to see if he can face City.

Alex Iwobi limped off against Ostersunds with cramp and the Nigerian international will need to be checked to see if he’ll be available against City this weekend.

There was positive news on Mesut Ozil as Wenger feels the playmaker will be fit for the cup final after making a swift return to training following a sickness bug.

However, Alexandre Lacazette will continue to miss out as he’s not due to return until mid-March after undergoing surgery on a knee injury while Santi Cazorla is also still on the sidelines.

At Colney. Wenger: "We don't know what kind of state Alex Iwobi [is in]. A few players were rested, they are all alright. After that, I have to make a decision on Aaron Ramsey. He looks to be available but he has another test today. We will know more about it tomorrow."

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) February 23, 2018

Wenger on Ozil's availability: "I saw him this morning. He had a good session yesterday that he absorbed well. We will see how he responds to it today but I think he will be alright [for Sunday]."

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) February 23, 2018

Wenger is set to recall a number of first team regulars this weekend after the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi, Nacho Monreal and Granit Xhaka were all rested last night.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should also be recalled up front after being ineligible in the Europa League but Henrikh Mkhitaryan won’t feature on Sunday as he’s cup-tied.

The boss has confirmed that David Ospina will once again start between the sticks having been our cup-keeper throughout the season so Petr Cech will have to make do with a place on the bench.