Arsenal Injury Update: 3 Ruled Out, 2 More Doubtful

Hot off the back of a vital league victory over Liverpool on Saturday, Arsenal face the (almost) impossible task of over-turning a 4-0 deficit against AC Milan in their Champions League second leg on Tuesday night.

Manager Arsene Wenger has given an injury update ahead of the Milan tie and has revealed that we will be without the services of Abou Diaby, Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta, while Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Rosicky are also doubtful.

Speaking to Arsenal.com, Wenger said:

on injuries from the Liverpool game…

“We have paid a big cost because we have lost Benayoun (sickness), Diaby (hamstring) and Arteta (head). Arteta has no major problem but he has to rest for a week so he will be available against Newcastle but not Milan.”

on other doubts…

“We have a few other knocks like Kieran Gibbs (groin and calf) and Rosicky (groin) is doubtful for Tuesday too. We will see. We will put out the best possible team for us to qualify.”

on whether Van Persie will start….

“Yes. I would not be very credible telling you we want to score five goals and then I leave Robin van Persie out!”

Whilst the win against Liverpool was a welcome one, the injuries picked up in the game certainly aren’t! Luckily Benayoun and Arteta should be short term issues, and Gibbs and Rosicky also sound like minor knocks, but the loss of Diaby is a blow. He is a hugely talented player who has seen his career blighted by injuries. You’ve got to feel for the bloke.

But back to the Milan game and hopefully Gibbs and Rosicky are passed fit. We’re beginning to lose players again, especially in midfield, so if we’re to have any hope of pulling off a miracle we’ll need them fit.

Match preview will be up in the morning.