Wenger Offers Ozil & Bendtner Injury Update

Arsenal needed two late goals to see-off Cardiff City 2-0 at the Emirates on New Year’s Day to remain top of the Premier League.

Nicklas Bendtner came off the bench to open the scoring with a close range finish but unfortunately the striker twisted his ankle when doing so and was forced off the pitch after receiving treatment.

After the game, boss Arsene Wenger gave Arsenal.com an update on the striker’s injury as well as giving the latest on Mesut Ozil – who missed the game with a shoulder problem.

Wenger confirmed that Bendtner sprained his ankle after scoring his goal and is likely to be out for ‘weeks’ not ‘days’, while he also revealed that Ozil could be back to face Tottenham in the FA Cup on Saturday but more than likely will return against Aston Villa the following week.

Here’s what Wenger told the clubs official website:

on Bendtner…

He is a player who has gone through some difficult periods so I just want to give him great credit. I told him already today that he is back to the level I want him to be at, and if he continues to develop like that he will come back into the team. Unfortunately he got injured today and it looks like it is not a question of days, but weeks, with a sprained anke. I am very sad for us, but for him as well.

on Bendtner’s bad luck in getting injured…

Usually he is not a fragile player, he was a bit unlucky. He said he landed on the foot of a Cardiff player and turned his ankle.

on Ozil’s fitness…

He thinks Ozil could be ready for Saturday. It is no big damage, just the pain now. I believe he will be short for Saturday and should be ready for Aston Villa.

Bendtner’s injury means Arsenal are now left with something of an injury crisis up front with Olivier Giroud also out with an ankle sprain. Lukas Podolski started in attack today but was unconvincing so it will be interesting to see who Wenger goes with against Spurs.

Who would you like to see start up front at the weekend? Share your suggestions below.