Arsenal host Turkish giants Galatasaray in the second round of the Champions league group stage amidst of a flurry of problems. Midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta are sidelined with long term injuries with major concerns about the fitness of Jack Wilshere, adding to the likes of Mathieu Debuchy, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud who are already on the injury table.
The Gunners suffered a 2-0 loss on the opening day of the Champions League against a spirited Borussia Dortmund side, making this home game against Galatasaray a must win.
Arsene Wenger, sat down for his customary pre-match press conference yesterday and updated on the team news. While he confirmed about the news on Ramsey, Diaby and Arteta, Wenger insisted that Wilshere is available for selection, but it remains to be seen whether he will play in the the squad or not.
“He is in the squad, but we don’t know if he will start. I left Abou Diaby out as well because he’s not completely there yet. We lost Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey in our last game and it could have been three because Wilshere was a doubt for a long time but he recovered quite well.”
Wenger also passed comment on Danny Welbeck, saying:
“If we play well collectively then he will score. He’s integrated very well into our team. A player whose played at another bigger club, it’s easier to adapt to another, because they know what’s expected.”
Meanwhile, Telegraph’s Jeremy Wilson has revealed that Theo Walcott is the next Arsenal player who will be putting pen to paper on a long term deal following Olivier Giroud’s contract extension.