Arsene Wenger has given his team news ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Stoke and there could be some good news on the injury front. Hector Bellerin will face a late fitness test ahead of the match despite fears that the Spaniard would miss another two weeks with an ankle injury.
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Matchday: Match Preview – Team News – Betting Preview
Match: Arsenal v Stoke City
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Kick-Off (GMT): Sat 10 Dec 15:00
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Much of Thursday’s press conference focussed on the contract situations of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil but Arsene Wenger also faced some questions on team news ahead of the match on Saturday. Arsenal take on Stoke in the Premier League and the Boss could receive some good news ahead of the clash.
“From Tuesday night we have no injuries, I hope,” Wenger told the press. “Everyone looks to have recovered well.”
“Coming back into the squad, we have Coquelin who was of course suspended and maybe Bellerin who has a test today.”
The news that Hector Bellerin could feature is a big positive for Arsenal fans. It was thought that the right-back would be out for another two weeks but he seems to have recovered quickly. Wenger was also asked about Danny Welbeck and Per Mertesacker.
“They are recovering well but they are a few weeks away from joining in again,” the Frenchman went on.
Wenger was also quizzed about Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard underwent surgery earlier in the week and took to Instagram to say that the surgery was ‘perfect’.
Surgery done! It was perfect! Looking forward to be back at the #emiratesstadium with you! @arsenal
“It’s a difficult way to say the surgery is ‘perfect’,” Wenger continued. “But you can say it was needed and it went well. Afterwards, we have to see how he recovers.”
Cazorla estimates that he will be out for two months so if all things go to plan, it will be a big boost for the squad going into the New Year. With Welbeck and Mertesacker coming back too, the squad will receive a timely boost around January/February.
As far as tomorrow’s match is concerned, it remains to be seen whether Hector Bellerin will make it back in time for the clash. Hopefully, the Spaniard will make a full recovery soon as Arsenal enter the trick festive period in the Premier League.