Arsene Wenger says Mesut Ozil will have a test today to see if he’s in contention for tomorrow night’s game with Chelsea.
The Germany international missed the New Year’s Eve clash with West Bromwich Albion with a small knee problem and is still being assessed by the medical staff.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday morning, Wenger explained: “Ozil has a little chance, he has a test this morning, but he’s not been out [training]at all since Crystal Palace.”
During the 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns, the Gunners also lost defensive duo Sead Kolasinac and Laurent Koscielny. The boss gave updates on both players.
“Koscielny…yesterday the medical [staff] were pessimistic. He’s 30 percent available, 70 percent not available. Kolasinac is out completely for at least two weeks.
“We dedicate our time to recovery. We work a little bit today for preparing for tomorrow’s game. Basically, it’s 80 percent recovery, 20 percent training.
“We have a squad equipped to deal with that [the schedule], we’ve proved that in the Europa League, but we cannot lose any more players now because we are a bit short.”
Arsenal will also be without Olivier Giroud, Nacho Monreal, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla.
Lots of players out, not good. Given our record over the last few games (including playing 5 of the bottom 8 teams) things aren’t rosy.
Hope we rise to the occasion.
Hope it’s same as Lacazette 2 weeks ago. I.e. He’s fit but don’t let on to Chelsea.
Get well soon, guys. We need all the legs we can get.
Well we won against chelsea with mert-mon-hold combination..
What about playing AMN and Xhaka in midfield and playimg Jack with Sanchez and Laca?
I don’t really fancy Iwobi for this one, given his recent form.
I’d like to see that as well but with Kolasinac and Monreal both out we’ll be needing AMN at left back/wing back
Would even play Elneny or Coq in midfield as long as it keeps Iwobi out of the first 11.
You are forgetting we have Elneny and Iwobi has not been playing consistently to really talk about form. Wilshere, for me, has not turned the world on fire since coming into the team. We still look bereft of that midfield combination to aid in the attack and help defend our defenders. With Kolasinac then AMN will definitely play left back/wing back but Holding Mustafi and maybe Mert in defense. Chambers is a bit to adventurous and slow which does not make for a good combination. Holding is much more composed, reads the game better and overall a better defender to… Read more »
It is now almost funny that Santi’s name is even being mentioned in the list of casualties. What a player he was for us! I hope he could make comeback.
Feeling worried about the Chelsea game for now though.
forget santi, he is history, let it go
Forget a player who played a part in the best Arsenal moments since the Invincibles? Arguably the most technically gifted player we’ve had since Dennis? A player who got a zombied foot trying to play for our club?
Nah mate
Santi was much criticised before his injury, lack of shooting, lack of creativity. I wish he’d be back, but don’t have such a short memory.
Do you even watch Arsenal?
Whats the point of your comment?
If it was about a disliked player in general then I would understand but its Santi
What’s happened to Nachoman? I missed that.
Ankle injury I believe during Palace game.
So which 30% of Kos is available? Hopefully it’s his feet and head.
(Sorry)
I remember a few years ago all the left backs were out and Tommy Vermaelen had to play there.
I think he has done that for Barca as well.