Arsene Wenger has revealed that Oxlade-Chamberlain is out for three or four weeks and is sure to miss the game against West Ham United.
Arsenal face a visit from West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday. The game will see Arsenal trying to strengthen their position as they sit third in the league. On the other hand, West Ham will be hoping to cause an upset by at least avoiding defeat.
Ahead of the game against West Ham United, Arsene Wenger revealed the team news and confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arteta and Gabriel are sure to miss the tie while Flamini is back in the squad and available for selection.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sustained a hamstring injury in the FA Cup tie against Manchester United on Monday. Talking about the injury, Wenger said that the midfielder is set to be out of action for maximum three to four weeks and he will not be available for England as well.
Wenger said: a It’s a classic hamstring. That means he will be out for three weeks, four weeks maximum. He will not be available for England as well.a
The Arsenal boss also spoke about the frustration that Oxlade-Chamberlain has to face due to the recurrent injuries he sustains.
He said: a It’s very frustrating for him because he played more games than ever this season. In the last two months I feel he was a bit in and out. He has shown again on Monday night what an important player he can be for Arsenal and for England. It’s a shame that in the final sprint and he’s not there.a
Wenger spoke about how Oxlade-Chamberlain is coping with the injury blow and how it is affecting the England international.
He said: a How much I dona t know but it is affecting him because he loves to play. He is keen to play for England and I think it is a big blow for him. He knows as well that it is the type of injury where you can recover quickly and come back. But it is not an ideal moment.a
Jack Wilshere, who has been missing from action since the ankle injury he suffered against Manchester United in November, may not be returning any time soon for The Gunners as well as England. Arsene Wenger refused to put a date on the midfieldera s return and said that we should respect his progression.
Wenger said: a I dona t know how long it will be before he returns because we have to respect the progression of his training.a
Apart from Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gabriel and Arteta are also set to miss out Saturdaya s fixture. While Gabriel will be returning on Sunday, Wenger said that Arteta, who is back in training, will take around three weeks to make a return to action.
Flamini is fit and available for selection on Saturday.