Injury Update – Theo Walcott, Serge Gnabry Back, Ramsey & Arteta Next

With the injury to Mesut Ozil, it looked as though Arsenal’s injury list just reached an all time high. With likes of Walcott, Gnabry, Giroud, Debuchy, Sanogo, Ramsey, Arteta and now Ozil all injured, it stands to be seen how Arsenal were going to cope but there seems to be reprieve on the way if Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s words are anything to go by. The Frenchman revealed comforting news about four key members of the first team squad a la Walcott, Gnabry, Ramsey and Arteta.

“Theo is not too far away now. Serge has been out for a long, long time and Theo has also been out for nine months, so it’s good to see them back,” said Wenger.

“They’ve worked very hard and they’re very dedicated. They are back in the group on a daily basis and that’s very good news.

“For Ramsey it’s day 13 today (Thursday) and I think it will be day 21 before he is back into training. Arteta may be back with the group late next week.”

This might not be a perfect news but certainly a positive news and a step in the right direction. Walcott and Gnabry’s return would give Arsenal option on the right flank and allow Sanchez and Chamberlain move permanently to the left wing as first choice left winger and a decent back up. The deployment of Sanchez on the left wing would go a long way in ameliorating the loss of Ozil. Sanchez would replace him on the left wing while Cazorla and Rosicky would hold forth for him in the playmaking role.

The return of Ramsey and Arteta cannot be over-emphasized. We have missed Ramsey work ethic all over the pitch, his foraging runs forward and his goals. In his absence, Wilshere has tried but has failed to match the heroics of the Welshman. Both players might be playing the same role but certainly have different styles. Wilshere’s style is more of running with the ball and dribbling while Ramsey’s own is all about decent passing, running into space without the ball and eye for goal. It is his nous for goal that we have really missed.

Arteta’s return would go a long way in fortifying Arsenal’s defensive midfield. In his absence, the Gunners have turned to Flamini but the Frenchman is a card risk owing to his rash and mis-timed tackles. Arteta is calmer, more disciplined and a better passer of the ball. More importantly, he is Arsenal’s first choice penalty taker. Arsenal haven’t had a penalty this season but should we have one, I wonder who will take it in the Spaniard’s absence.

It is international break, I hope the Arsenal globetrotters return unscathed from their international assignments, joined by these 4 in a short while should give us strong enough team to do well in the league and Champions League.