Arsene Wenger looks likely to include both Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey in Arsenal’s squad for their final pre-season games in Scandanavia, with a view to use them against Liverpool in the Gunners Premier League opener on 14th August. But is it all coming too soon for the duo who have endured tiring summers?
Sanchez’s Chile triumphed at this years Copa America, beating Argentina on penalties on June 26th and winning the Golden Ball in the process after another convincing international tournament from the winger. Alexis’ ankle certainly looked in a bad way after a nasty, potentially ankle-breaking challenge in the final, however it appears all is well on the injury front after worrying swelling in the aftermath of the challenge created some hysteria among the Arsenal faithful.
Ramsey himself enjoyed a stellar run with Wales to the Euro 2016 semi finals, losing to Portugal albeit the midfielder missed the match through suspension. Regardless Ramsey trained through to the 6th of June and has had four weeks off.
Both players have reported for preseason training at London Colney this week and are in line to travel with the squad to Norway and Sweden on Thursday. Whether they play a major part in the friendlies or not remains to be seen.
Arsene Wenger may have little choice but to throw the attacking duo into the mix sooner than expected. Both are known for their outstanding fitness levels, however equally they have both suffered lengthy injury lay offs over the past two season namely as a result of fatigue.
Jack Wilshere’s fitness has been thrown into doubt after a recent knee injury, while Santi Cazorla’s fitness remains a potential issue ahead of the Premier League opener. The likes of Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny are still away and will return to full training next week.
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Considering both Ramsey and Alexis have had over four weeks off, they have managed to enjoy sufficient time off and come back recharged. With a squad full of youngsters in line to travel to Scandanavia, it is likely the Wales and Chile internationals will be eased into action and certainly can play a part in the Premier League opener. Arsenal badly need the injection of attacking impetuous with no new senior forward signing to speak of.
Friday’s preseason game is against Norwegian outfit Viking FK while on Sunday they face Manchester City before returning to London.
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