Arsenal have been handed a huge fitness boost ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash versus West Bromwich Albion. The Gunners have lost three of their last five outings in the top flight, and a victory at the Hawthorns is much needed if they are to maintain their push for a top-four finish.
England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had sustained a hamstring problem during the first-half of the 5-0 win over Lincoln City, but Arsene Wenger admits that the niggle is not serious to keep the midfielder out for a lengthy period.
The Ox has established himself as a key player in Wenger’s new 4-3-3 setup, and he will be hoping to make a swift return – possibly after the international break.
Meanwhile, both Danny Welbeck and Mohamed Elneny are back to full fitness having recovered from illness and an ankle problem respectively.
Elneny had been recuperating from the frustrating injury he had sustained in the 2-0 victory over Sutton United earlier last month, and he is in line to make the make the matchday squad at the least on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners have had the odd hiccup in West Midlands over the years, and the presence of additional depth in both attack and midfield would do them good to get through Tony Pulis’ resolute side who don’t mind parking the bus.
Arsene Wenger’s side are currently five points behind fourth-placed Liverpool with two games in hand, and they will have to retain their winning mentality in the league if they to keep tabs with their Merseyside rivals.
Southampton and Leicester City are the additional games left for the Gunners, and there is no assurance of three points in either game unless the club are in their best shape.
Meanwhile, the north London giants are still in the hunt for the FA Cup – potentially their third in four seasons, but they will have to get through Manchester City in the semi-final first before thinking of the prospect of facing one of Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur in the final
