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Wenger updates injury status | Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger knows all too well that the club’s fans have become increasingly apprehensive about the injury status of their squad over the years.
Therefore, in the pre-match press conference ahead of Shakhtar’s visit to Arsenal in the Champions League tomorrow night, the Frenchman has already revealed those who will be missing out.
While forward Robin van Persie and the first-choice defensive duo of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny will be unavailable, skipper Cesc Fabregas could be set for a return to the starting line-up.
The Spaniard has not featured for the Gunners ever since suffering a freak hamstring injury in last month’s Premier League clash with Sunderland and Wenger believes the extended rest has served him well in preparation for a comeback.
“Cesc is available. He is good and has prepared well. He had a little setback but got over the hurdle and is ready to play at full fitness,” Wenger stated with excitement.
He added: “I do not know yet whether I (will) start him or not but he is available. It will be (determined by) whether I take a gamble or not, because he has been out for a long time. I have to make up my mind tomorrow but physically he is ready, fit and wanting to play.”
Injury-prone England international Theo Walcott was also being considered for selection and Wenger emphasized the importance of passing a late fitness test for the youngster to play an important role against the Ukranian opponents tomorrow.
“Theo has a toe problem. But his ankle is all right and he is in the squad. It would be difficult for me to tell you who will start because I do not know yet,” elaborated the 60-year old.
Speaking of injuries, Wenger also responded to questions regarding Birmingham City’s accusations of the Gunners’ dangerous tackling this weekend. Jack Wilshere, Samir Nasri, and Emmanuel Eboue were all on the receiving end of criticism for their reckless challenges.
Wenger acknowledged that his players are also prone to an error in judgment but insisted that their mentality still remains all about eradicating dirty tactics from the modern game.
He explained: “I don’t say we’re untouchable and that we don’t make mistakes, because we make them as well. But overall I believe we commit very few fouls in the game and we try to play in a fair way. When we make a mistake, we come out and say sorry and we won’t do it again
“I have no paranoia feelings at all. I think to live in a big club you are more highlighted than other clubs and you have to live with that. As well you have to take a big enough distance to feel if it is true or not.”
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Hope wenger has some real functional ideas up his sleeves this time round.
dear good gunners,wenger should get us a good keeper so we stand any team in de word.
am so happy that some arsenal player is back for traning.