Poor old Steve Bould took today’s Arsenal press conference ahead of Sunday’s game against Stoke because Arsene Wenger has caught the dreaded lurgy and lost his voice, and the assistant manager was just about as interesting as watching him sit on the bench beside wenger during games!
He doesn’t say a lot during games and he obviously is not very talkative in front of the camera either. But he did tell us that there is no big deal over Jack Wilshere’s injury which led him to missing England’s two friendly games, and he knows nothing about the reports that Arsenal were unhappy with the midfielder’s handling by Gareth Southgate. “Not that I’m aware of,” Bouldy said. “I’m not sure where the reports are coming from. Jack had a bit of a knee problem, he’s come back and is fine.”
So Jack is not injured and is in contention for the Stoke match, although he may be saved for the Europa League clash with CSKA Moscow next week.
This is likely to the case with Alexandre Lacazette as well, who is also returned to fitness, but as the Frenchman has had no football for the last six weeks it may be a good idea to bring him on once we have a good lead (?).
It is vital we get our fourth win in a row on Sunday to give us added confidence for the visit of CSKA in midweek….