Arsenal can confirm that Jack Wilshere has suffered a small stress fracture to the right foot which is in a different location to his original injury. He will be reassessed in two weeks by Arsenal’s medical team. If all goes well (keeping fingers crossed), Wilshere might be back in time for Arsenal’s Ides of March schedule.
Meanwhile, today we have a match against Bolton, who are coming in with some real momentum including a shot in the arm performance against Liverpool. The Thierry Henry – Tim Ream match up we were looking for might not materialize because of Ream’s work permit issues. He was summoned by Owen Coyle to plug the gap left by Gary Cahill.
The FA Cup gave a snapshot of all of Arsenal’s vulnerabilities which Bolton will try and exploit at the Reebok. A set piece goal and a counterattack that left Arsenal exposed at the back. The positive is Bakary Sagna, sorely missed on the right could make his first start. Wenger also has Arteta and Henry to fall back on.
The most we can say off this midfield is Song’s emergence as creator du jour. Something that Rosicky, Ramsey, and Arshavin should be doing in their sleep is being taken over by the crab legged Cameroonian who is also our main disruptor. Actually the spine of the team so far has been RVP- Song- Kos- Szcz with the Verminator getting back from injuries to stake his claim. And we have the Ox who is probably the reason why Walcott had a improved game against Villa. Something about competition and comparison that can light a fire under you, eh??!!
A win is an imperative. In fact, all of February’s fixtures are before we move to Milan for the Champions League second round. Yesterday, Wolves did not do us any favours as Liverpool went ahead, Chelsea in danger of slipping up were able to salvage a draw against Premiership darlings Swansea.
Arsenal will also be keeping any eye on the Toons as they face Blackburn away. Newcastle is further weakened in midfield after Yoann Cabaye was suspended with a three match ban for violent conduct. Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse will not be back in time from their ACN duty.
Come on ye Gunners!! Make Owen Recoyle!!