It looks like Arsenal fan’s hopes of having many players back after the international break look destined to be dashed, according to a report by John Cross in the Mirror. Arsene Wenger seemed optimistic a few days ago, but now it appears that only Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Hector Bellerin are expected to return to the fold, while muscular injuries to both Ramsey and Walcott will take a bit longer to recuperate if we don’t want to risk another setback.
Cross also revealed that Alexis Sanchez will also be unavailable on his return from South America as he is desperate need of a break, or he will be risking the same problems as Ramsey and Walcott from overplaying.
Danny Welbeck is making some progress but there is no actual return date yet for the England striker who has been out of action since April. Danny said on Arsenal.com: “It’s slow and steady but it’s coming along,”
“It’s difficult to see the lads when you’re still in the gym, doing double days, but once I get back out on the pitch and start running I will be much happier. It’s a difficult period for me but I’m looking forward to coming back strong.
“I want to get back out on the pitch, keep on improving, keep training and keep fit – that’s the main thing. I just want to get back to playing football.
“I’m trying to build to muscle and it’s hard, but it’s something that I’ve grasped with two hands and I’m really looking forward to my return.”
So are we Danny, but it looks like we will be waiting well into the New Year before we see him back in action. The same goes for Thomas Rosicky, who has returned to the gym after similar surgery to Welbeck’s and will probably return to fitness at the same time.
Lastly, It is a brave man that will predict when Jack Wilshere will be back in the squad, but there has been little information given in the last month. If Wenger’s early prediction of a January return is still accurate then we can have dreams of having a full squad gain after the New Year.
But the current situation after the break is that we should have two (Bellerin and The Ox) back next week, but we will be without Sanchez for a while. Unless of course the international cause us some more misery….