Thomas Vermaelen is back but the injury news regarding other players is not too good. Wenger will be without Samir Nasri for 6-7 weeks and Tomas Rosicky for another 2-3 weeks. He is also without Theo Walcott (back spasms). Abou Diaby also looks doubtful.
So the midfield looks ready to bring on Denilson. Jack Wilshere or Aaron Ramsey could also get a look.
In defense Johan Djourou (knee) is out for a month. So Wenger’s will not have his first choice replacement should Gallas or Vermaelen be unavailable through injury, suspension, or loss of form. Lukacz Fabianski has knee cartilage problems that will keep him sidelined for two months. Vito Mannone becomes Almunia’s back up.
I think the extensive injury list somewhat undermines Wenger’s assertion that Arsenal are ready to win the Premiership.
“I know people have no patience any more but I agreed on a structure at the club that I believed could work, and we are at the period now when we will see whether I was right. To talk of winning the league is an audacious statement but I built this team and I want to deliver.”
The Premiership is not ten games long. When we talk of going the distance it requires players remain healthy so extensive retooling of the squad becomes unnecessary. It is not a matter of just maturing mentally or honing your talent. Arsenal have been physically fragile and we have lost key players regularly. That is a worry.