Rambo Set For Stoke Clash; Plus, Guess Who’s Injured Now?

Ahead of this weekend’s game at the Britannia, Wenger brings us some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that Cesc, Nasri, and Diaby will all be out for the Stoke match. Wenger mentioned that Cesc and Nasri have a small chance to be fit for the Villa game, but who knows what that really means in Wenger-speak. Clichy has a problem with his hamstring and is a doubt for the Stoke game. It looks like he will have a late fitness test to see if he can play, but it seems we may have a rare Gibbs appearance this weekend. Djourou has a slight chance to be fit though it doesn’t sound good and he didn’t look good at all when he went off during the ManUtd game. As I mentioned yesterday, Vermaelen is fit and even though Wenger did not say whether or not he will start, I’m going to put my money on the Verminator being named in the starting lineup.

With Cesc not being available this weekend that means we will see Aaron Ramsey make only his third start of the season at the very place he suffered his horrific injury only a year ago. Physically, Rambo is looking fit and healthy, but the real concern over him playing will most certainly be psychological. Though he is a quiet, soft-spoken lad, I get the sense that Ramsey is strong in character. He seems to have a good competitive spirit on the pitch and has worked hard to get back from his injury. While out on loan, he had some tenuous moments when it looked like he was nervous about getting into 50-50 challenges or jumping out of tackles, but I didn’t really notice any of that since he has come back and played for Arsenal, though I could be mistaken. I think that as long as Ramsey stays focused on the game then he will be able to cope and Wenger said as much in his press conference today.

I suppose people will expect me to say some stuff about Ryan Shawcross, but frankly, he’s gotten enough attention out of this whole thing. I’m more interested in Aaron Ramsey and his comeback. How Rambo wants to deal with Shawcross on a personal level is his business. In the meantime, how about some inspiring songs about coming through adversity? No? Well you’re getting it anyway, you miserable sods!

Oh what the hell, some Kanye for Martin while I’m at it:

Finally, today Kroenke officially submitted an offer for his takeover bid. You can read the entire 64 page document here. The club statement on the offer can be read here. The document says KSE has stated that the offer will not be funded by debt finance secured against the Club, which is good news. Feel free to read the rest or check Tim Payton of Arsenal Supporters’ Trust on twitter for related information.

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Category: Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby, Arsenal News, Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Injury Report, Johan Djourou, Samir Nasri, Stoke City, Thomas Vermaelen