Speaking ahead of Arsenala s away tie against Newcastle United, Arsene Wenger revealed that he would be without the services of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny as the Frenchman hopes to earn three crucial points before the international break. .
Hoping to successfully mount a title challenge this season, Arsene Wenger is likely to be concerned with his lack of defensive options as Mertesacker and Koscielny remain sidelined due to injury concerns.
‘I would like them to be available but thata s part of the season’
As reported by the club website, the Frenchman revealed that Mertesacker remained unavailable due to sickness while his defensive partner, Laurent Koscileny, struggled with a back injury.
a Mertesacker is still sick and we will know more about Koscielny today. He might have a test on his back today and I will certainly know more tomorrow morning. The less likely to be fit is Mertesacker.a
However, Wenger admitted that injuries were a part of the season as he spoke about Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere, who are expected to return to first team training after the international break. The former Manchester United player has been struggling with a knee injury since last season, but is expected to return to the team shortly after making good progress. Jack Wilshere on the other hand, suffered a hairline fracture prior to the start of the season and is scheduled to return to training soon. He is only a just behinda Welbeck in terms of making a complete recovery.
Wenger said: a Danny Welbeck is progressing well. He should be available, if all goes well, after the international break.
Jack Wilshere is just behind Welbeck, maybe one week after the international break he will certainly come back into full training.a