Injured Chamberlain Facing FA cup final Fitness

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is facing a race against time if he’s to be involved in the FA Cup final.

The England midfielder wasn’t part of the matchday squad for the win over Newcastle United last night with the boss revealing the 20-year-old has strained his groin and will be rested for a full two weeks.

Ox-laide Chamberlain

“He [Oxlade-Chamberlain] has an inflammation of his groin,” told press last night.

“He couldn’t practise. I put him on Friday on the team sheet and played him when he was needed, but it came to a point where it didn’t progress. We decided to give him a complete rest for two weeks. Will he be involved with me? I think he has a chance. But will he be ready for England? I think so.”

Injured on the first day of the season against Aston Villa, Chamberlain has endured a frustrating season making only 12 starts in all competitions and only 20 appearances in total.

Having announced himself on the international stage with a stunning volley against Brazil last summer he was tipped for big things this year only for knee ligament damage to keep him out until January. He looked sharp against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in March but having been pressed into action against Wigan Athletic (when obviously not fully fit) his body again seems to be suffering. Fingers crossed he’s back soon and fit enough to be selected for England.

He’s not the only one of Roy Hodgson’s young charges racing the clock. Jack Wilshere is facing the same battle to get up to speed, although the boss did confirm last night that the 22-year-old is back in training.

“Jack is training already. It can’t tell you when he will be ready. I hope he will be back this season but I can’t tell you that tonight.” 

You suspect if we beat West Brom on Sunday he may well get himself 30 minutes against Norwich on the last day of the season

Full Arsenal injury update and it’s a nightmare!!!!!!

I have got a funny feeling of deja vu writing this, probably because Arsenal seem to have an injury crisis every bloody week. The number of casualties this week is eight, according to the official website, but that list does not include the January loan signing Kim Kallstrom, who although he is back in training will probably not be fir enough to start against Tottenham on Sunday.

Also, according to physio-room, Nicklas Bendtner has an unspecified problem. Maybe he injured himself during a rough sex session with a taxi. Anyway, it would almost be quicker to list the players who are not injured than those who are.

Arsene Wenger has revealed on arsenalwiki that he is hopeful of having both left backs available, as both Gibbs and Monreal are due for late fitness tests. Nothing is certain yet however. With Vermaelen back and looking sharp, defence is not really the problem. It is midfield where the Gunners have got serious problems.

Aaron Ramsey has suffered another delay to his long awaited comeback and he has been joined in the treatment room by Mesut Ozil. With Diaby and Wilshere in there you have got a pretty good unit. The German has got a hamstring problem which, unless we are lucky(yeah right) will keep him out for at least a month. So the great form being shown by Chamberlain is a great relief for Arsenal.

One piece of good news is that Yaya Sanogo is back and should be in the squad for Sunday. We saw what happened to Giroud’s form when he was not getting any rest so Sanogo’s fitness could really help. But with four big Premier League games coming up in a two week period, Arsenal could be in big trouble. Let’s just beat the spuds this weekend and I will be much happier.

Arsenal have agreed a new deal with highly-rated youngster Gedion Zelalem.

The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the best young talents to emerge at Arsenal in recent years and the club have moved to tie him down to a professional deal.
Zelalem, who made his debut in the FA Cup against Coventry earlier this season, is seen as a star of the future by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Gedion Zelalem: Rewarded with new deal

The skilful playmaker has been named on the bench for three Premier League games this season and has been a star performer in the Under-21 Premier League and FA Youth Cup this term.
Arsenal were keen to reward the German-born midfielder for his progress with a new deal and he is expected to be fast-tracked into the senior squad over the next year.