Ahead of Arsenal’s meeting with Watford at the Emirates on Saturday, Arsene Wenger revealed that goalkeeper Petr Cech is doubtful for the game, while midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out.
Cech has been out of action for more than a month after picking up a calf injury in Arsenal’s 2-1 home loss against Swansea. The Gunners’ substitute keeper David Ospina has been good in his two Premier League starts since Cech’s injury, but the Czech Republic international clearly has a big influence over the team.
During Cech’s absence from the Arsenal starting lineup, the Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup and the Champions League and have fallen 11 points behind in their Premier League title race.
Although the former Chelsea goalkeeper has been progressing with his fitness, Wenger said that he was still undecided on whether to field the 33-year-old against Watford.
“Cech will join in training today, but I haven’t decided if he will be in the squad or not,” the Frenchman was quoted as saying by Arsenal’s official website.
Ramsey ruled out
Aaron Ramsey has been a crucial member of Arsenal’s squad in recent seasons and his services in the middle of the park are being missed at the Emirates, with the Welshman suffering from a thigh injury. While Ramsey has also been recovering well from his injury, Wenger has confirmed that the 25-year-old will not feature in the match against Watford.
“Ramsey will not be available for this weekend, but hopefully next weekend,” said Wenger.
Gunners still haunted by injuries
While many of their walking wounded have returned to first-team action — including Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez — Arsenal still have a long list of injured players to contend with. At this stage, the North London side still have seven first-team players out of action with various injuries.
The likes of Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all influential players whose absences significantly limit Wenger’s options in midfield.
In addition to Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere and Santi Cazorla have all been ruled out of the match against Watford as well. Following their loss to the Hornets in the FA Cup last month, the Gunners will want to avenge that defeat as they look to maintain the pressure on Leicestser City and Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the table.