Trio Set for Return to First Team…maybe

Sorry about the lack of activity of late, this Interlull seems to be lasting closer to a month than just under two weeks. Well, it comes to an end and back to the club football that we all love. I’m sure you have all been keeping tabs on the status of our players away on international duty. It looks like other than an injury to Theo, we will come back pretty much unscathed (PHEW!). Theo has a chest injury that could keep him on the sidelines (where he is becoming pretty accustomed to being) for the next few weeks. While not a huge loss considering his playing time lately, I’d still rather have him in the squad.

How about some positive news on the injury front for our Gunners? Here ya go! Wilshere, Sagna, and Frimpong all played a full 90 minutes in a friendly against Chelsea earlier today. We lost 2-0 but the result is meaningless. The upside no matter what the result is that it looks like all three will be ready for first team action again in the next few weeks. The question is; will any of them immediately be inserted into the Arsenal starting 11?

I’m curious to see how the return of these players; specifically Sagna and Wilshere, will shake up the starting 11. It would be rough to see young Carl relegated to the sidelines after showing such improvement and promise in the early portion of this campaign. Sagna has always been a rock, but he is getting up in years and recently made some ill timed remarks about his concern over departing players from Arsenal. I’m not sure why any player makes comments like this unless they are looking towards the door. You don’t question your employer publicly unless you are comfortable leaving said employer. It would not be shocking to me if this was the last season playing for Arsenal. Jenkinson still has a lot to prove before he can be talked about being at the level of Bacary, but he seems to be headed in the right direction. Plus, all signs say that he wants to be here playing for Arsenal. The same can no longer be said about Sagna unfortunately.

I’m sure we have all been anxiously awaiting the return of one Jack Wilshere. The return seems very close and I wonder where he will be played and who will be dropped to make room for him? He could get some of the minutes that Ox has been getting I guess? But Ox plays out wide more and Jack likes to be more central. I don’t think anybody in their right mind would consider dropping Cazorla or Arteta in favor of Wilshere right now. So where does Jack fit in? I’m stumped. Good thing Wenger is better at this sort of thing than I am, I’m sure he has a plan.

Back in action this Saturday against Norwich. This should be a very winnable game for the team to ease back into the current campaign. Our next three matches are against Norwich, QPR, and Reading. Considering that we play the likes of ManU, Twattenham, and Everton in November (as well as Villa, Fulham, and two UCL fixtures); maximum points from these next three games are a must. See you Saturday!

Some Related Stories:

Category: Arsenal News