Friday, November 4, 2011

Arsene Wenger's Player Update On New Injuries, Chamakh, Gibbs and Vermaelen Ahead Of West Brom

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken via the club's official website in respect to his team's injury position ahead of West Bromwich Albion's highly anticipated visit to the Emirates stadium, where they ran out surprise winners last season thanks to an inspirational performance from their Nigeria import Osaze Odemwingie.

According to Wenger, who engineered the gradual but steady movement of his team from the relegation confines to the coveted top half of the premier league log - after enduring one of the worst spells of his brilliant Arsenal career stated in unequivocal terms that the injuries that are known to plague his team, are at an all time low this weekend as the north london outfit prepares to reclaim its place among the newly formed top five or six to be precise.

Speaking on new injuries he said: "There are none, basically. We have no injuries from Tuesday night which is very positive. Apart from long-term injuries we have only Chamakh and Gibbs out at the moment. Going into November that's not too bad. Often we have had good starts and then a little drop in November. This season we didn't have a very good start and hopefully we can go from strength to strength as we are doing at the moment."

He spoke on interesting injury topics like Marouane Chamakh's inflammation in the knee and his recovery period. Kieran Gibbs' current position on the treatment table and his possible return date to action. Plus, Thomas Vermaelen's reaction to his full return against Marseille in the UEFA Champions League on tuesday after an injury layoff.

On Marouane Chamakh: "He has a little inflammation in his knee. There is a little effusion and he will not be available for Saturday. I think he will miss the international games as well. Hopefully he should be ready again after the international break."

On Kieran Gibbs: "He is not available for Saturday as well. He is progressing normally, a bit slower than expected but there's a chance he might be available after the international break."

On Thomas Vermaelen's reaction on the backdrop of his return from his recent injury: "Apart from stiffness, no, there was no reaction."