Arsenal’s UEFA Champions’ League fixture against Belgian Champions, Anderlecht is gradually getting more attention by the news of the availability of Aaron Ramsey and Captain Mikel Arteta. The two Arsenal midfielders suffered injuries and were substituted in the 1-1 draw against North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspurs last month. It was a big blow for Arsenal then as the players missed the 2-0 loss to Chelsea and the 4-1 UEFA Champions League victory against Galatasaray while on the sidelines. Now, it’s a major injury boost for Arsenal as the papers now report that Arsene Wenger believes the midfield duo will be available for the crucial match in Belgium.
Following the 1-1 draw in the North London derby involving Arsenal and bitter rivals, Tottenham Hotspurs, Mikel Arteta was reported to be out due to the calf/shin injury and was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw against Hull City over the weekend while Ramsey, though played some minutes in the Hull City match, would be available for a full match against Anderlecht. Ramsey suffered a hamstring injury in the North London derby and was expected back in the main Arsenal squad on the 1st of November, 2014, but recovered faster than expected to have a cameo appearance against Hull. On Aaron Ramsey, Wenger recently said: ‘‘Saturday’s (18th October, against Hull City) game is too soon for Aaron. He will be back in full training on Monday and certainly in the squad for Wednesday against Anderlecht.’’
Therefore, the presence of Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta would expand manager, Arsene Wenger’s options in the midfield. Mikel Arteta being the number one candidate for the defensive midfield role and Captain should be thrown into the first team to hand a deserved rest to Mathieu Flamini while Aaron Ramsey too should feature at some point in the game. Aaron Ramsey on the other hand may start the Anderlecht game alongside Santi Cazorla as the box-to-box midfielder, in place of Jack Wilshere, who has been kicked here and there n the past few matches and deserves some rest as he may have gotten too much knocks. However Arsene Wenger decides to play, with Arteta and Ramsey available, Arsenal would expectedly give a good showing in Belgium this midweek.
Arsenal has recently been freed from all charges over flares thrown on the pitch in the 4-1 Galatasaray win, would look to grab their second win in the group stage of the UEFA Champions league to brighten their chances of qualification in a group where Borussia Dortmund are leading with maximum 6 points from 2 matches. Arsenal sits on the second spot of the UEFA Champions’ League Group D with 3 points after winning Galatasaray and losing to league leaders, Borussia Dortmund. This week’s opponent, Anderlecht must try to win Arsenal to enhance the possibility of qualifying as they are tied on the same lone points with the same -3 goal difference with Galatasaray and are only 3rd on the table by alphabetical arrangement.
With a fixture against Sunderland next weekend, the news of injury free and match fit Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey is an exciting one for the Gunners, who just recently lost Mesut Ozil and Laurent Koscielny to the claws of injury.