Arsene Wenger gave an update on the state of his squad’s fitness as Arsenal gear up for their fourth game of the season against Southampton.
After the 2-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday there were doubts over Granit Xhaka after he had to come off late in the second half, and there’s some worrying news about Laurent Koscielny who appears to be real danger of missing out.
“We have some worries for Koscielny,” said Wenger.
“He will have a test today, and I’ll make a decision after the training session.”
As for Xhaka, he said the Swiss midfielder might well be available.
“The news about him is better,” he said. “He has recovered quite well, but we’ll have a full check today.”
Wenger also played down suggestions that Danny Welbeck had picked up an injury, saying the striker was ‘fine’.
Lucas Perez is fit and back in the squad.
Arsenal head into the match having lost five of their last six away Premier League games, the same number they’d lost in their previous 27 games on the road in the competition.
Moreover, the Gunners haven’t beaten Southampton at Saint Mary’s in the Premier League since Robert Pires’ secured a 1-0 win in December 2003.
On a more positive note, they can take heart from January’s FA Cup visit when a brace from Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott’s hat-trick secured a 5-0 victory.
Tough match, will be delighted with three points and not too upset with one.
You’ve convinced me to change my mind, I’m with you lot.
I’ll be happy with a loss to Southampton.
I think you’re missing the point
Can’t wait to not see Lucas on the bench
You will also not see him on the pitch
Got tickets but in the home section. Give me a wave if you’re there.
Why hasn’t Mertesacker been playing in the under 23s to get fitness back? If Kos is definitely out, it would’ve been really helpful to have him as back up for this kind of game. Alas, Wenger will play Gabriel.
Fuck knows.
We could do a lot worse than play the centreback from the U23 match last night. Outstanding player with some crucial interceptions and blocks, he also looked comfortable on the ball and passed quickly and accurately. If only I could remember his name!
Ben Sheaf?
That’s him, thanks!
Did anyone else watch the U23 match and think that it was like watching the first team from 10 years ago? Quick short passes keeping the ball yet moving it forward too…
Blocky McGoodpass is one of our best young defensive prospects.
Yikes, I knew we had a bad record at St Mary’s but not THAT bad! Need to tend heart from Sunday and out that record right!
Seeing as none of the current squad were involved until long after 2003 I think the 5-0 smashing we gave them in the cup should have done the necessary hoodoo banishing.
Hope the boys can give us a repeat performance.
COYG!!
Jeorge Bird on Twitter reporting that Koscielny in full training today, as are both Xhaka and Perez.