Arsene Wenger has revealed the latest team news as Arsenal prepare for their Europa League Round of 32 second-leg against Östersunds FK.
The Gunners have a 3-0 lead from the first game, and with the Carabao Cup final on Sunday the Arsenal manager will have to think carefully about his team for tomorrow night.
The big news is that Aaron Ramsey is back in full training, but won’t be considered for the clash with the Swedish side, although he will be assessed ahead of the weekend.
Speaking at his press conference this morning, Wenger said of the Welshman, “He is not in the squad for tomorrow. He had a good training session but he is a bit short for tomorrow.
“We will see how his evolution goes today until Sunday. I don’t rule him out yet. It depends how well he can improve the intensity of training until Sunday.”
There was also an update about Alexandre Lacazette, who had surgery last week.
“Lacazette is doing well,” he said. “He could be ahead of the planned recovery, maybe three and half weeks, four weeks, but overall he is doing well.”
As for the team selection tomorrow night, there was a hint that some young players could get a run-out.
“I always try to find a team who can win the next game,” he said. “I will field a team who has a good opportunity to win the game for us.
“There’s still a lot at stake because this competition is important for us. It’s a good opportunity for the players to show we have the quality to compete.
“There’s a fight for places at the moment, and it’s good chance for them to show their quality.”
Mesut Ozil misses out tomorrow night through illness.
Ozil is sick again? Is that Wengerspeak for “He’ll be rested for the Carabao Cup final vs Man City match”?
Ozil is one sickly child
Arsene looks pale as a pancake here as well.
no, it just means he is SICK
Just means if he bottles it against City he has an excuse!
Welbeck needs minutes – I’d put him on the wing and give Nketiah a go as striker.
I’d do it the other way around. Or at least have them both floating/chopping/changing pos
Man, Ozil needs some Vitamin C.
Vitamin D – he needs some sun!
Ozil seriously needs to stock up on some multivitamins.
Clearly needs to spend more time assisting himself, rather than others
His immune system is as terrible as his footballing ability is exceptional.
Ozils immune system is about as poor as Arsenal’s defence
What defence ffs?!!
Fingers crossed Özil and Rambo make it back in time for the weekend
Ozil will be available for the carabao cup final on Sunday with Ramsey, and I hope the trophy will be ours, Winning the carabao trophy and the Europe league will be good…I just wish my hope and reason come true .COYG
Ramsey is evolving
I have big expectations with Nelson. I like his direct dribbles. Reminds me of willian.
Hoping AMN continues to improve. Think his laid back approach attracts criticism like Ozil but he definitely needs to get used to playing against stronger and smarter opponents to see what he can make of with the tools at his feet.
oh what a surprise, ozil is sick AGAIN, I told you he gets sick and injured just as much as ramsey and jack, the man is a liability, we should start calling him SICK NOTE from now on
Good lord.
You sound like a miserable sort.
Doing alright there, sport?
Pay no attention, this guy doesn’t support Arsenal, he just trolls Arseblog to get reactions.
Not a fan of that gilet
Becareful wenger if we get knocked out of this our season is over.
Losing 4-0 at home to Ostersund would surely go down as the worst result in the club’s history.
How does 0-3, some excruciating extra time and a penalty exit sound?
Ozil has no immune system
I think the “he’s sick” statement is better for wenger than “I’m resting him” just in case ostersunds pull off any surprises, since people can’t blame him for not fielding ozil..you know .. cause he’s “sick”