Arsene Wenger sweated over Jack Wilshere’s fitness after the Dortmund game as the midfielder twisted his right ankle in the second half of the game. After initial fears that he would be missing this weekend’s clash against Aston Villa, reports now suggest that he will return in time to face the Villans.
According to the Times, The England midfielder is expected to return to training before the end of the week and will be in contention for Saturday’s game.
Although, it is likely that the manger will give Wilshere a breather, it is a good news that he is not out for a long time.
There were also worries about Calum Chambers’ fitness before the Champions League, which gave a chance for youngster Bellerin to start ahead of the former Southampton man, but it has now been confirmed that Chambers along with Nacho Monreal have regained fitness and will be available for tomorrow’s game.
The Spaniard had a back problem after the City game last week and missed the trip to Germany, but thanks to Kieran Gibbs’ timely return from injury, the Gunners got the much needed cover. With only three fit first choice defenders on Tuesday, Wenger must have rued his failed opportunity to sign a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen.
Elsewhere, Arsneal’s injured attacker Theo Walcott has offered his support to Olivier Giroud – and says the injured striker can call him for advice anytime. According to the club’s official website, Walcott backed his team mate, who has undergone a surgery in his left tibia to return an even stronger player.
“I’ve been through a long injury myself now so I’ve said to him, ‘If there’s anything down the line you need to talk to me about from the rehab side of it, from the family side, anything, I’m there for you’,” Walcott told Arsenal Player.
Walcott is expected to be back in the first team by the end of this month, while Giroud’s return date is yet to be known.