Wenger: Duo To Return Next Week But Arsenal Star Ruled Out For Another 3 Weeks

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Aaron Ramsey and Matheiu Flamini should return next weekend but Santi Cazorla will be out for at least another three weeks.

Ramsey has missed the last three matches after being forced off with a thigh injury during our 4-0 FA Cup replay victory over Hull City at the KC Stadium earlier this month.

However, the Welsh international appears to have made a swift recovery as Wenger has now confirmed that while Ramsey will miss the Watford game this weekend, he could make his comeback against West Ham next Saturday.

Flamini could join Ramsey in the squad at Upton Park as Wenger also revealed that the midfielder is on the verge of making a return from a hamstring injury that he picked up during our 3-1 defeat to Barcelona two weeks ago.

There was also an update regarding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the boss says the midfielder is making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury that he sustained against Barcelona last month.

However, there was less positive news on Cazorla’s fitness as Wenger claims that while the Spanish international is running outside again, he’s still three-to-four week away from being available for selection as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury.

Speaking to Arsenal.com ahead of Saturday’s clash with Watford, Wenger said:

on Aaron Ramsey…
Ramsey will not be available for this weekend, but hopefully next weekend.

on Santi Cazorla…
Santi Cazorla is running again outside so it should be three to four weeks more training for Santi.

on Mathieu Flamini…
Flamini is short for this weekend but could be available next weekend.

on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain…
Oxlade-Chamberlain is progressing well.

Ramsey’s return will give us a major boost heading in to the closing stages of the season but he’ll face some stiff competition for a first team place from Mohamed Elneny while Jack Wilshere is now closing in on making his comeback after returning to full training.

I expect Oxlade-Chamberlain to be out for at least another 2-3 weeks while it’s a big blow that Cazorla won’t be available until the end of April as it means he may only play in a couple of games during the title run-in.