Even after regaining first place in Premier League with their 3-1 victory over West Ham, Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger suffered a severe blow that will last throughout their festive fixtures.
The incredible breakout season for midfielder Aaron Ramsey hit a huge snag when the Welsh suffered a thigh strain with roughly 25 minutes left in the West Ham match. Wenger reportedly said Ramsey will miss the rest of the festive period, while Arsenal clings to a one point lead, and only three points separates first and fourth on the table.
With Ramsey on the sideline the Gunners managed quite well for their first victory in the last four matches behind Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski’s heroics, and Wenger even said he admired his club’s resiliency, but they will need help with their 13-goal scorer out for the foreseeable future.
“It looks like a thigh strain,'' Wenger said after the West Ham win. “For me, I don't know how serious the thigh strain is but the Christmas period is certainly over for him. It was his birthday today.
“I don't know how long it will be. We will have to see tomorrow [Friday]morning. He knew straight away, but we have to see.''
The next two fixtures involve a trip to St. James Park to face Newcastle, followed by a home match against Cardiff, but that’s just before the FA Cup third round clash with Tottenham.
Newcastle especially poses a threat as they’re coming off a dominate 5-1 performance over Stoke, and boast impressive victories over Chelsea and Tottenham, and a solid draw versus Liverpool.
However the Gunners relief could reportedly be in the form of Laurent Koscielny.
Koscielny nearly returned from an injured knee against West Ham, but didn’t crack the 18-man roster. Instead, according to Daily Mail, the defender is expected to return against Newcastle.
While the 28-year-old French national likely won’t be expected to fill in for Ramsey’s scoring, his versatility along the back line can tighten the Gunners defense and take pressure off the attack.
Midfielder Jack Wilshere will also return to the pitch after serving a two-match suspension, and Tomas Rosicky could also be available for Wenger’s use. Wilshere’s totaled two goals and an assist in 15 matches this campaign, while Rosicky’s managed one assist in 10 appearances.
It’s likely for Wilshere to take the field with fellow midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby also out again against Newcastle, according to Daily Star.
Arsenal Injury News: Update On Aaron Ramsey, Laurent Koscielny And Others Ahead Of Sunday's Newcastle Game
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