Wenger Gives Update On Wilshere, Podolski & Ramsey Injuries Ahead Of Spurs Clash

Arsenal cruised through to the group stages of the Champions League after a 2-0 victory over Fenerbache on Tuesday night sealed a 5-0 aggregate win.

However, the game came at a cost as Lukas Podolski, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere all picked up injuries and are now doubts to face rivals Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, boss Arsene Wenger gave his initial response to the injuries and confirmed that striker Podolski will definitely miss the weekends clash after being ruled out for at least three weeks with a hamstring strain.

Ramsey is also a major doubt after being withdrawn late on with a groin problem but Wenger is hopeful Wilshere will be fit to start despite hobbling towards the end with an ankle knock after receiving some rough challenges from the visitors throughout the game.

Wenger told Arsenal.com:

on injuries…

That’s the negative of tonight. We paid a heavy price on the injury front because we lost Podolski. I don’t know how bad Ramsey is. I don’t know how Wilshere responds to an ankle problem. We have to check that [on Wednesday] morning.

on the fouls at the end of the game…

Yes, the two tackles on Wilshere were disappointing. I cannot change it now. He looks alright. Podolski is definitely out for 21 days and Ramsey we have to check how severe his groin is tomorrow.

on if he considered replacing Wilshere…

I wanted to take him off. Yes, of course. I would have played with 10 men. We were 2-0 up. They had to score five goals in 10 minutes. I think even with 10 minutes, we could have avoided that!

on if Wilshere wanted to play on…

He wanted to go on, yes.

on if Wilshere and Ramsey will feature at the weekend…

Jack should be alright for Sunday and I’m hopeful on Aaron as well. I don’t know how bad it is. I took Ramsey off with three or four minutes to go but I don’t know how bad it is. I haven’t seen him yet.

on if he made the decision to take Ramsey off…

Yes. He wanted to stay on.

Injuries are the last thing Arsenal needed with several members of the first team squad already on the treatment table as they prepare to welcome their north London rivals to the Emirates, and the latest setbacks will no doubt increase calls for Wenger to bring in reinforcements before the weekend.

How are Arsenal fans feeling after seeing yet more first team players pick up injuries? Share your views below.