Arsenal Team News: Wenger Offers Latest On Arteta, Monreal, Vermaelen & More

Arsenal entertain Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon looking to cement our place at the top of the table.

Ahead of the game, boss Arsene Wenger has given Arsenal.com a team teams and injury update with the latest on the fitness of Theo Walcott, Nacho Monreal, Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta, Thomas Vermaelen and Nicklas Bendtner.

Wenger kicked off by confirming that Walcott’s surgery on his ruptured cruciate ligament went well and while the Frenchman ruled out any chance of the winger making this summers World Cup, he is confident he’ll be fit for the start of next season.

It’s certainly a relief that the operation was a success, as you never know what can go wrong during these procedures, but fingers crossed Theo can make a full and speedy recovery and be fit for pre-season training ahead of next season.

Wenger also gave an update on Monreal after the defender was forced off against Aston Villa after a heavy challenge from Ron Vlaar. There were initially fears the full-back had broken a metatarsal but thankfully it seems the Spaniard has simply twisted his ankle ligament. He’s still considered a major doubt to face Fulham this weekend but at least it’s not going to be a long-term injury.

There was not such positive news on Rosicky though, with the Czech midfielder breaking his nose in two places after being caught in the face by Gabby Agbonlahor’s arm on Monday night. Wenger confirmed the midfielder has undergone surgery to reset to nose and may have to play with a face mask over the next few weeks.

There is also bad news on midfielders Arteta and Ramsey as well as defender Vermaelem, with the trio ruled out of the Fulham game through injury and the boss thinks it’s unlikely any of them will feature against Coventry next week.

One piece of good news is that Bendtner has a slight chance to feature in the FA Cup clash if he’s recovered from his ankle injury in time but is more likely to be available against Southampton the following Tuesday.

Here’s what the boss told the clubs official website:

on Theo Walcott’s surgery…

It went very well. The damage was real in the knee so he will have to take the needed time, so let’s not be hopeful that he will go to the World Cup – that is not possible. But overall his long-term future is very positive. It’s about being fit for next season now.

on Monreal and Rosicky…

Monreal looks a doubt for Saturday, a big doubt, because he twisted his foot on the kick. It is not the bruise, he turned and twisted the ligament. Rosicky had surgery with a general anaesthetic for a broken nose in two places. With a mask he may be available, but we have to monitor it closely.

on Arteta (calf), Vermaelen (knee) and Ramsey (thigh)…

Ramsey and Arteta are both out for this game. Vermaelen too. I personally believe the three will miss the Coventry game as well and will be available after that.

on Bendtner (ankle)…

He has a little chance to make Coventry. But in all probability it will be after that.

We have a number of injuries at present but with the exception of Walcott (and Diaby, of course), none are considered long-term, so we should have the majority of our casualties back by the end of the month.

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We have a reasonable fixture list over the next couple of weeks so should be able to cope without the likes of Arteta, Ramsey and Monreal as long as nobody else picks up an injury.