Arsene Wenger has given his pre-match press conference ahead of the showdown at Stamford Bridge and it’s not good news for Gunners fans. The Frenchman confirmed that midfielder Aaron Ramsey will miss three weeks with an injury (via Arsenal.com).
It was perhaps the worst 20 minutes of Arsenal’s season against Watford. The Gunners went two goals down to a team battling for its life within the opening 13 minutes before losing Aaron Ramsey amidst a midfield injury crisis.
Now, Arsene Wenger has confirmed the bad news that Ramsey will miss Saturday’s title showdown with Chelsea. Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also injury worries but it seems like they’ll be back in time.
“From the other night, we lose Ramsey and Giroud has a test but he should be alright,” Wenger confirmed.
“Maybe Welbeck will come back into the group but that’s it. Chamberlain has a test today but he should be alright.”
The boss was then asked how long he expected Aaron Ramsey to be out for. “We’d say 3 weeks,” was his response.
The Gunners go into the match at Stamford Bridge with just one recognised centre midfielder, Francis Coquelin. Wenger is aware of the crisis.
“Yes, we are a bit short at the moment but we have young players who can do well in there,” he claimed. “Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alex Iwobi can play in there, Elneny will be back next week. We have some strength.”
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It’s a crucial match and the crisis in the centre of midfield only makes things more difficult for the Gunners. Had Arsenal beaten Watford on Tuesday then they could be going into this match knowing that a win would put them within 3 points of the league leaders, now a loss will leave them 12 points adrift. It’s a massive match and one which Arsene Wenger’s men really need to win.