The next couple of months could be pivotal for the Arsenal careers of our two forwards, Lukas Podolski and Joel Campbell. Both the World Cup winning German and the Young Costa Rican have clearly been chafing at their lack of playing opportunities and if things do not change, then January could see one or both of them waving goodbye to the Gunners.
It is a tricky situation for Arsene Wenger as well. The boss, I’m sure, would love to be able to give these two strikers more time on the pitch but as our results have not been going so well, he must do what he thinks is best for the club.
Campbell and Podolski have both declared that they want to stay at Arsenal, but they do need to be playing, so the fact that both featured for their countries this week can only help them. Campbell played almost the whole of the game against Uruguay and set up Fulham’s Bryan Ruiz for the second goal of a 3-3 draw. So he will return to London in better spirits and having given his manager a timely reminder of his talents.
And Podolski’s fears over his international career will have been eased somewhat as Joachim Low gave him 90 minutes of action in the Euro qualifier with Gibraltar. Podolski also got an assist and will hope to feature again in the friendly match with Spain next week.
So with Arsenal heading into a tough run of games and then the festive fixture list, these two Gunners will be hoping that their international action will help them get a chance to show what they can do for Arsenal before it is big decision time in January. Do you expect them both to stay the course?