Arsene Wenger has confirmed Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Mathieu Debuchy, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby have returned to Arsenal first team training.
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Although this weekend’s game with Liverpool comes too soon for all five players, there was more positive news regarding Danny Welbeck, who could yet return to the side.
TEAM NEWS: , , and are all back in training but not ready yet
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal)
More team news: “ is back in training as well but won’t be available. Welbeck could return.”
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal)
Welbeck was injured on international duty with England, picking up a knee injury against Lithuania where he also scored one and assisted another.
Boss on Welbeck: “He’s an important player who scores goals and contributes to the team. Technically he has matured.”
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal)
Meanwhile, Wilshere, Diaby, Arteta and Debuchy all featured in an Arsenal XI during the week against Brentford as they step up their rehabilitation from long-term injuries, but it still isn’t expected any would feature for the first team as soon as Saturday.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain meanwhile returns to squad training after picking up a hamstring during our 2-1 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford but again will not feature in this weekend’s game.
The news means Arsenal almost have a full compliment of players heading into the most decisive part of the season as we look over the coming weeks to secure both our top four position and a second successive FA Cup final by beating Reading.
Although we’re not mathematically out of the title race, second place ahead of a faltering Manchester City is far from beyond our means, and the first step of that challenge will be beating Liverpool this weekend.
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