A little bit of good news and a little bit of bad news for Arsenal supporters.
The good news is that Olivier Giroud is ahead of schedule in his recovery from ankle surgery. Thought to be out until the new year, Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger said the striker is three weeks ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation, and could rejoin training after the international break in November.
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While the additions of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck have helped maintain the Gunners’ attack, Wenger will be happy to welcome back a striker in Giroud that was looking to have a breakout season at the Emirates.
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With the good news of Olivier Giroud’s recovery comes the bad news of Jack Wilshere’s injury. After taking a knock to his knee, Arsene Wenger said the young midfielder would not be ready for Arsenal’s weekend match against Burnley, and could miss their midweek Champions League match against Anderlecht.
Kieran Gibbs is questionable for the match against Burnley, and will have a fitness test to see if he can play over the weekend. With Laurent Koscielny and Mathieu Debuchy already out with injury, losing another defender would be a big blow for the Gunners.
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Theo Walcott is still not ready to return to the starting lineup after missing a long spell with a knee injury. The winger will be available as a substitute off the bench.
Injuries have been the story for Arsenal all season long, and as they currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League, you can only wonder how they could perform with a fully healthy squad.