Arsenal are world famous for having long lists of injured players at crucial points of the season, and we have had quite a few since the beginning of this campaign. Our overall squad depth has allowed us to cope with this and get a winning run going, albeit against some lesser lights in the footballing world, but it now looks like Wenger will have a stronger choice of players by the end of this international break.
We all know we are unlikely to see Santi Cazorla back until after the New Year (if ever), but there are quite a few returning stars coming back into the lineup. First of all we have Mesut Ozil nearly back to full fitness and should be available for Watford next week after posting an optimistic post on Instagram.
We have all watched Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka cement their midfield partnership lately, but Wenger will also have Francis Coquelin back in contention after his small hamstring problem.
Another healthy addition will be the return of Danny Welbeck, who got off to a great start to the season before sustaining a groin strain against Chelsea. Lets hope he is quickly back to his best.
We also lost Laurent Koscielny to his ongoing Achilles problems, but he is usually fine after a few weeks rest and should also be back next week. The only other one out is Calum Chambers, but he is also forecast to return next week. Wenger forecast before the West Brom game: “Calum Chambers came off [against Doncaster] and will now be out until after the international break. He has a little recurrence of his hip problem.”
So all very good news for Wenger as the Gunners set to continue their winning run and aim to make up the small six point gap to the top of the table. With all these Europa League games coming up we will have to make full use of our extensive squad, and it looks like we are going to go forward with a full complement for Wenger to choose from.
Onwards and upwards!
Adminm
Glad to hear Coquelin’s and Welbeck’s return. They both will add more physicalities to the team.
OT: Alex Iwobi’s goal sends Nigeria to the World Cup. Hope he can replicate this form for Arsenal in the coming weeks.
News about Le Coq is sweeter. Remember we don’t hve a natural DM only Coq at the current crop of players we hve.What I wish is for Coq to pick up his form of 2 seasons ago
Welbeck news excite me most.
I am delighted to have Coquelin back, but it’s very unlikely Wenger will bench Xhaka for him. I only like to judge new signings properly after two seasons, but Xhaka has been a bit of a flop so far. Coquelin needs to come back in, and give our defence some more protection.
ThirdManJW,
Exactly what I think Xhaka is not good enough for this team. To think this deluded fool Arsene Wenger signed him instead off N’Golo Kante is very depressing if you ask me. Imagine Kante/Wilshire or Ramsey in the double pivot roles would be perfect. Unbelievable if you ask me, yes Xhaka was a very highly rated youngster in the Bundesliga but for basically the same money we could have bought an EPL proven ball winner. Kante is exactly what our team is lacking and I believe our defence would look alot more solid with a player like him infront off them shielding them.
Glad to have players coming back from injury. It’s gonna be a long season so we need players fit.
Wouldn’t be bad to see a front three of Sanchez Lacazette and Welbeck.
Coquelin, welbeck and ozil..good news
Strange how some people believe what they hear. Welbeck will not be taking Ozil’s place away from him. This is Arsenal, Arsene’s Arsenal, we are geared toward a passing game. Ozil, Alexis and Lacazette it will be.
Xhaka and Ramsey cement the partnership? In your dreams because that partnership is weak. For Welbeck is good news, the guy works tirelessly.
All that is no sense. We need more signings in january. So guys stop being over excited. Welbeck has already reached his season tally. Coq is no longer our spine like he was before. Ozil is also alazy individual. Chambers ummmmh, well he lost it. I only welcome our captain Laurent coscielny with due respect.