Serge Gnabry was one of the more promising aspects of last season but having spent so long on the sidelines he’s been almost forgotten.
He got a crucial goal against Swansea, and won a penalty which helped 10 man Arsenal defeat Crystal Palace, and was beginning to establish himself as a regular contributor until a serious knee injury disrupted his progress.
Although he’s back in training and making some appearances for the U21s, the 2014-15 campaign will be one in which he fails to make a single appearance for the first XI (unless Arsene Wenger really rings the changes in the final game of the season on Sunday).
So, speaking to the official site, the German has made it clear his target is to pick up where he left off in 2013-14 and work his way back into the manager’s thinking.
“Pre-season is there for everyone to show what they’ve got,” he said. “It’s the start of the season so everything is new. I’m hoping to make an impression.
“I guess I’ll be going away with the first team but I’ve got the Under-21 European Championship with Germany first so I’ll see what happens after that.
“I came here with the dream to play for Arsenal’s first team and I did that before my injury. I’m hoping to get back to playing for the first team next season.”
Good luck to him, he’s a talented lad so fingers crossed he can get back to where he was and kick on from there.
Meanwhile, Tomas Rosicky says a minimum of third place is crucial for the Gunners this season so they can go away for the summer without having to worry about a Champions League qualifier.
“It is really important that you are not playing in those qualification matches,” he said. “You don’t who you can get — there are some very tricky teams.
“You are going into the holiday period knowing you have not qualified. It is important that you can go to your holiday with a clean head, not thinking about that and know you are there [Champions League].”
Of course if the rumour mill is right and Tomas departs this summer, his head will be clear anyway, but fingers crossed he can play his part in getting us there.
Every time I read a line about Rosicky possibly leaving, I get a little sad inside.
+1
Arsenal player has uploaded the highlights to the reserve team game against hull. Gnabry looked lively and has grown in presence and stature since the last time I saw him . Hoping he makes the step up to first team permanently.
And rosicky! Read on about how he’s such a mentor to the young lads like hector in the dressing room. Experience and quality like that should be indispensable. Would be sad to see him go but totally understandable – as he has so much still to give.
Shame that every Arsenal player who comes through the ranks gets heavily injured sooner or later
But I still believe Gnabry can be world-class in a few years time
Such a shame to have such a long time out in a pivotal point in his career. I would like to see a loan spell next season. Give him a chance to come back with some solid game time. Where’s Owen Coyle these days?!
MLS – managing Houston.
That’s quite far away to get a loan deal!!
Ideally it would be better for him to have a full pre-season so Wenger can determine who will be the final member of the front 3, before looking to purchase. Sanchez and giroud will get 20+ goals a season but we need a definite starter on the right to get us 20+. If wenger doesn’t feel Walcott, Welbeck and Gnabry are not capable then I would personally go for Pedro to complete the front 3.
Before the Ox is mentioned as a candidate i think next season he will be challenging for a central midfield position.
He’s got to Gnab a spot in the lineup. Gnab it!!!
I’m sorry, it’s been a long day.
Anyone seen Diaby?
Gnabry is an exciting prospect. bullish like the ox, very direct. Would be fantastic to see him develop over the course of a season.
Yeah he’s in the treatment room continuing his apprenticeship as a physio.
He’s taken a bit of a step back because of injury but should he have a good pre-season and rediscover his form, he can be the Bellerin for next season. It should still not prevent us from further reinforcing out wide should Walcott not sign and Rosicky retire. We could still benefit from a tricky technical player like a Dybala who can dribble through defenses and play a false 9 role. Situation is of course fluid and dependent on several factors including Walcott, Gnabry/Akpom (The precocious Akpom is also a candidate for a starting spot now out wide) and Campbell… Read more »
With Gnabry coming back after a long injury lay-off, Theo, and the Ox and Campbell, Wellington and Miyaichi coming back next season, I don’t see us buying a winger unless we sell one or two (or more) of the players we already have. It’s disappointing to see Gnabry’s progress hindered by injury, but I think this kid has the goods to deliver. He’s technically good, and most importantly for a young player, he’s not intimidated or overawed by the situation.