Team News: Wenger Confirms Duo Face Late Tests + Update On The Ox & Ramsey

Arsene Wenger has given Arsenal.com a full team news and injury update ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this weekend.

The Gunners boss has revealed that Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Flamini are considered as doubts for the game after picking up knocks this week.

Bellerin has put in some impressive displays since stepping in for Mathieu Debuchy in recent weeks but Arsene has confirmed the right-back has suffered an ankle injury which could rule him out of action on Saturday.

The Spaniard will undergo a late fitness test at London Colney on Friday and he’ll be joined by Flamini after the midfielder picked up a tight hamstring.

Wenger also confirmed that Aaron Ramsey continues to miss out as he’s only nine days into his three week rehabilitation from a hamstring injury that he suffered against Leicester last week.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is described as being ‘close’ to making his return with the midfielder back in full training today after three weeks out with a groin injury. However, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be deemed fit enough to be in the squad this weekend or if he’ll sit on the sidelines with Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Debuchy.

The only other question mark is over the availability of Jack Wilshere. The 23-year-old returned to full training two weeks ago following three months on the sidelines and after narrowly missing out on a place in the squad for last weeks game with Middlesbrough, Arsene hinted he could be involved against Palace after saying he’s ‘fine’.

The boss told the clubs website:

on the team news…

Ramsey is still out. The two other injuries are Arteta and Debuchy. Apart from that we have some uncertainties about Flamini and Bellerin – they are doubtful for Saturday. Everybody else is OK.

on the doubts…

Bellerin is his ankle and Flamini has a tight hamstring. We’ll see. We’ll have tests tomorrow [Friday].

on Ramsey…

He is nine days into his three-week rehab.

on Wilshere…

Jack is fine.

on Oxlade-Chamberlain…

He is close. He will join in normal training today.

If Bellerin misses out then Calum Chambers is almost certain to fill-in at right-back and he looked fresh against Boro last week so we should have no worries if he’s forced to continue this weekend.

Flamini’s absence would be even less important as Francis Coquelin is expected to start in midfield plus it looks like Wilshere, and possibly even The Ox, will be back in the squad on Saturday.