Arsene Wenger has given us a timely update on the injury situation at the Emirates, announcing that Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby, Alex Song and Theo Walcott could all return to contention in time for the gameweek 31 clash with Blackburn.
Speaking to Arsenal TV, Wenger sounded optimistic on their chances…
“It’s a long way to go, but at the moment they’re looking good.â€
The return of the midfield quartet will surely prove a huge positive for Arsenal’s title challenge, but for Fantasy Managers their availability could cause issues with rotation. The return of Walcott and Fabregas in particular, clouds the issue with Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin who will both be on the radar as we lead into Arsenal’s double fixture in gameweek 33.
That pairing have previously been vying for the starting role on the left flank, with Walcott operating on the right. While Arshavin has at times played second fiddle to the outstanding Nasri, the Russian’s current run of form will surely hand Wenger a selection poser. We could well see frequent rotation of Walcott, Nasri and Arshavin over Arsenal’s remaining matches then – denting the Fantasy potential of all three.
Cesc Fabregas seems set to emerge as smart acquisition yet again then, despite a faltering season which has seen him return just 3 goals to go with 10 assists to this point. Injury has obviously hampered his potential, but if Fabregas can make an eye-catching return against Blackburn, he will be firmly back in our thoughts for the season run-in, particularly if Wenger begins to shuffle elsewhere in his midfield.
In other injury news from the Emirates, Thomas Vermaelen has indicated that he is unlikely to see action this season…
“The chances that I will play another game this season are small…I can understand my manager when he says that my season is over: I have been out for seven months and I must fulfil a complete ‘pre-season.â€
The defender has been nursing an Achilles injury since September, leaving Wenger stretched for resources at the back; a situation worsened by the recent shoulder injury sustained by Johan Djourou. Arsenal did at least receive positive news on him this week – the Swiss international will not require surgery and the latest indicates that he will be targeting a return for the clash with United on May 1. Until then, Wenger looks set to persevere with Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci at the back – not a pairing that encourages confidence or investment from Fantasy Managers.
