Arsenal seems to be getting their full squad back for the Premier League run-in after Arsene Wenger confirmed the return of three major players ahead of their F.A Cup tie with Burnley while talking to club’s official website.
Arsenal have been without some of their key squad members for a major part of the campaign with likes of Tomas Rosicky, and Danny Welbeck sidelined due to injuries, and the Gunners had to negotiate tough games with what looks like a thin squad.
Tomas Rosicky had been out since June last year but now seems to make his long-awaited comeback this weekend after playing for 45 minutes with the junior Gunners (u-21). The Czech professional brings something new to the midfield with his forward runs and one touch passes; a quality Arsenal are missing at the moment.
Danny Welbeck, who hasn’t played since April last year and underwent knee surgery in September, is fit again and ready to resume the live action. However, Arsenal boss Wenger thinks that Englishman is still short of match fitness as he has trained with the rest of the squad just once and needs a game or two with the u-21s to get back in the match-day squad. Return of the prized forward will provide the Frenchman with more attacking options over the course of the season.
“Danny Welbeck is not completely ready, but he is not far,” he said. “He needs a game or two because he’s been out since last April. The Stoke [U21] game is too soon because he only had one session with the team, and that is too short.”- Wenger said while giving an update on Welbeck.
Francis Coquelin may play a part in this weekend F.A Cup game against Burnley after scaling through two weeks of training according to the manager-
“Francis is available to play now because he has passed two weeks of full training.
Coquelin was evidently missing from the base of Arsenal’s midfield since his injury in November, and his return will undoubtedly strengthen the leaking defence of Gunners.
In the 12 games played without Coquelin, Arsenal have won 6, lost 4, and drawn 3 compared to 7 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses when he was in the team. The Frenchman has staked a regular claim over the last 12 months since his return from loan at Charlton Athletic.
Arsene Wenger also confirmed Cazorla and Wilshere are closing in on their return, with both players just weeks away from full recovery.
“Jack and Santi are progressing well, but they are at least a few weeks away. But these two apart, it is just about competitiveness and match fitness,” the veteran boss said.
Cazorla, who sustained an injury against Norwich in November, was part of a strong midfield trio which includes Ozil and Coquelin. Wilshere, on the other hand, has not featured for Arsenal this season.
