At last the real football has returned and Arsene Wenger has given us the latest Arsenal team news ahead of Saturday’s clash.
It would seem there is very little chance of Aaron Ramsey being available for some time, as Le Prof has admitted he will not be taking any more chances with the Welshman’s hamstring, and who on earth knows what’s happening with the out-of-favour Olivier Giroud. “Giroud will not be available. Ramsey will not be available.” Wenger said this morning.
“I’m disappointed because he (Ramsey) has worked very hard and he had a few little setbacks that forced us to be cautious with him.
“He’s on the last stage, he’s building up his fitness.”
“Next week will come too early.
“We have decided that we will give him a complete pre-season now, even if he misses more games.”
And on the subject of Giroud, Wenger was again in cryptic mood. “He will be the same. We have to build his fitness up again.”
Why he should have to build up his fitness after playing For France (and a supposed toe injury!) is a bit baffling, and I still have the feeling that we are not being given the whole story on the Frenchman. But we should be used to that from Wenger by now…
Otherwise we only have good news on our returning stars. “Coquelin is back. Apparently we have good news [from international players].”
And regarding Jenkinson,he said: “He will be back tonight playing with the Under-23s. He is available to compete for places”