Arsenal Pre-Chelsea Team News: Wenger Confirms Fresh Injury Blow + Rosicky A Doubt

Arsenal take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime in a crucial game at the top of the Premier League table. 

Ahead of the game, Arsene Wenger has been speaking at his pre-match press conference and while many of the questions aimed at him were related to his 1,000 game milestone, he also took the time to give Arsenal.com a team news and injury update.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, last weeks hero Tomas Rosicky is a doubt after picking up an ankle injury. The Czech international was the match-winner against Tottenham last weekend but he’s now facing a late fitness test before his possible involvement against Chelsea is decided.

Speculation on Thursday suggested that Ryo Miyaichi had picked up a serious hamstring injury and Wenger  confirmed the blow, saying the 21-year-old will now miss the rest of the season. The Japanese winger has been on the periphery of Arsenal’s first team this season but with the clubs current lack of options in attack, he could have come in useful over the next few weeks so it’s another injury blow for Wenger to deal with.

Here’s what he told Arsenal official website:

on the team news for Chelsea…

We have a doubt about Rosicky. He will have a test this [Friday] morning on his ankle. Apart from that we have no major problem. That issue will be decided after training, everybody else will be available.

on Ryo…

He is out for the season with a bad hamstring injury.

Wenger will be hoping Rosicky passes his late fitness test as his midfield resources are already being stretched to the limit with Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott all still unavailable.

The Gunners head to Stamford Bridge sitting third in the table, but a win will see them move to within just a single point of Chelsea with a game in hand, so it’s all to play for tomorrow.

What team would you like to see Wenger put out now we’ve seen the team news? Share your views below.