When the Arsenal and Wales international Aaron Ramsey picked up his latest injury problem, a hamstring strain, about three weeks ago, it was originally not thought to be too bad. It was terrible news for the Gunners of course, especially as Rambo had found his shooting boots in spectacular style with that amazing goal away to Galatasaray. But the injury was supposed to be a minor one and there was a good chance of him recovering in time for the festive period.
Well we still have not seen him yet and the latest injury update from Arsene Wenger, reported by Arsenal.com, as he talked about the victory over West Ham yesterday, is a further blow for Arsenal. It now seems that the manager will not have any more players, including Ramsey, back from injury in time to face Southampton at St. Mary’s on new years day.
Wenger said, “We have a big game in front of us now against Southampton with nobody coming back. The players who played today have given their all and now we need to recover and prepare for the Southampton game.”
And the home side will be buoyed by their battling draw against the league leaders Chelsea and a return to form after their recent slump. So how do the Gunners approach the game in three days? At least the impressive performance of Francis Coquelin yesterday and Tomas Rosicky on Boxing Day have given the boss some more options, while we do have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as well.
Assuming all three central midfielders are fit to start, the question for Wenger is whether to go for the more defensive Coquelin or try to take the game to Southampton. The fact that Schneiderlin will not play after being sent off yesterday may just edge Wenger towards Rosicky or the Ox. What would you do?