Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that star midfielder Francis Coquelin will miss the side’s crucial battle against Leicester City tomorrow. He also sounded confidence about the form of Alexis Sanchez and hailed Mathieu Flamini. Here are some excerpts:
On injuries, Wenger said “Coquelin is progressing well, but he will not be available for Leicester. He has a scan today, but the evolution is quite positive. He might start practice tomorrow. He has a little chance for Tuesday and a bigger chance for Man United. It is very difficult to be definite today. They are all doing well. Jack just had surgery so at the moment he cannot do anything. Danny is doing well, Tomas Rosicky as well. Wilshere’s operation was very successful and touch wood hopefully all goes well now.“
Wenger said I think I played him very early before he was completely fit, physically, that is one explanation. The second is that every player who has won a big trophy with the national team takes some while to settle and come back to his best. These are the two main explanations for me. Physically he is not completely ready, coming out of a big achievement and that takes time. I don’t worry for Alexis Sanchez. Even when he doesn’t score he is still a major threat for everybody and I am confident he will score very soon.
Wenger also hailed Frenchman Flamini for the way he played against Spurs. “It shows we have a strong squad. I have great confidence in these players. We showed how to fight on Wednesday night. The game was about commitment and mental resources which we showed,“ he said.
Gabriel Paulista is ruled out of action after he was shown a red card last week against Chelsea. Even though the decision was unfortunate, Wenger had criticised the player for such an act. Wenger said: “He was sorry about what had happened. He is a fighter. In training, he was completely focused.“