Arsenal have been handed a boost regarding one of their better players, with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain returning to full fitness, and availible for selection.
The news comes as a welcomed distraction for Arsene Wenger, following the unfortunate Cruciate Knee Ligament suffered by Theo Walcott, which overshadowed the 2-0 win in Saturday’s FA Cup game against Tottenham.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has not played since suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season more than four months ago but is now back training with the Gunners squad, who sit top of the Premier League at the current moment.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is regarded by Wenger as a potential replacement to Walcott on the right of Arsenal’s midfield, with youngster Serg Gnabry another possible option for Wenger.
Gnabry is most likely to have a run in the Arsenal first team, after impressing for the Gunners in recent weeks.
The 18 year-old impressed hugely against Tottenham on Saturday and says that he has benefitted from training with Walcott.
“I have learned a lot from Theo – we both are intelligent players,” said Gnabry.
Walcott looks set to miss up to Six months of game time, as the winger will miss the World Cup Finals.
Gunners midfielder Mikel Arteta feels Gnabry can step up to the plate in Walcott’s absence.
“He’s got something not many players have in this team which is pace, skill to go and beat people,” said Arteta.
“He’s like a little boxer, he’s a little fighter. I think the Premier League this year is the most difficult one since the Premier League has existed. I think we’re fine with what we’ve got. Whether it is enough is not we won’t know until the end because sometimes you get injuries, sometimes you get lucky and you don’t need anyone because you have enough players to rotate.”
Arsenal travel to Aston Villa over the weekend, looking to build upon their recent form.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
