Arsenal Team News & Injury Update: Wilshere, Monreal, Vermaelen And More…

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been speaking to the press on Friday afternoon ahead of this weekend’s Emirates Cup and he’s given a team news and injury update.

The good news is that Wenger considers midfielder Jack Wilshere to be 100% fit and available after his long-running ankle problems. Hopefully he’s now put those troubles firmly behind him and he’ll be involved this weekend.

There was more positive news with the boss confirming that left-back Nacho Monreal is set to return to training on Monday. The Spaniard suffered a back injury while away on international duty with Spain in June and it was feared he could be out until October. However, he’s recovered quicker than expected and could even be in contention for the season opener against Aston Villa in two weeks time.

There is some bad news on the injury front though with captain Thomas Vermaelen ruled out for a further six weeks with a back injury. The Belgian lost his place in the starting eleven during the second half of the season and he wont be breaking back into Arsene’s plans any time soon as he’s set for a spell on the sidelines.

Wenger also confirmed that Santi Cazorla and the clubs only summer signing so far, Yaya Sanogo, will be involved at the Emirates Cup this weekend, so fans will get a taste of whats to come from the young Frenchman. Here’s what the boss told reporters:

“Vermaelen is out for six more weeks, Monreal will start training on Monday,”

“The tour (of Asia) was quite intense. Our games in Japan were difficult physically,” Wenger added.

“The good news is that everybody is quite fit. During this weekend you will see Sanogo and Cazorla. I consider Wilshere to be completely available.” The boss is quoted as saying in the Mirror.

So with the exception of Vermaelen, it’s relatively positive on the injury front and the squad is in good shape. Unfortunately there will be no big-money signings on show this weekend but there’s still time so fingers crossed the club can get some deals done. I have a feeling it’s going to be something of a hostile reception for the boss this weekend though.

What team would you like to see start against Napoli on Saturday? Leave your suggestions below.