Arsene Wenger has ruled Laurent Koscielny and Petr Cech out of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with West Ham but is hopeful both men can return to action soon.
Koscielny was forced off at half-time of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City with an Achilles problem and will definitely play no part while Cech is still recovering from a calf problem.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference Wenger says he is not sure yet how serious Koscielny’s problem is with the defender due to have a scan to determine the severity of the problem.
“It’s an Achilles problem. He has a scan today so we can reveal more tomorrow,” he explained.
“If he has ruptured the fibres then he could be out for a few weeks, if not, he could be available to face Crystal Palace. I will tell you more tomorrow.
“Cech is not available tomorrow. Maybe Monday. Per Mertesacker is available to play. He could be in the squad for tomorrow.”
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Wenger was also cautious about Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who also missed the City game but have a chance of being in the squad tomorrow, he added : “Chamberlain and Ramsey have a test today and we’ll see if they’re back in the squad.”
Arsenal go into the game without a Premier League win since February and amid supporter unrest but Wenger has called on fans to get behind the team for the run-in.
“We have many games in April, we need everybody on board,” he added. “We need the support of our fans in games.
“We play as well in the semi-final of the FA Cup, it’s all to go for. It’s a good opportunity to show we are united.”
The absence of Koscielny is another blow for Arsenal although Gabriel put in a good display against City and hopefully the Frenchman will not be sidelined for too long.
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