Arsene Wenger has acknowledged that Arsenal is cautiously taking a “day by day” approach in its efforts to get captain Cesc Fabregas fit for the Champions League match against Barcelona next week.
After sustaining a hamstring issue, the Spain World Cup winner had to leave the Premier League match against Stoke and subsequently missed the surprising League Cup final loss to Birmingham.
Fabregas will not be hurried back for the Premier League match against Sunderland on Saturday (Sunday AEDT), but Wenger is hopeful that the Gunners’ captain can recover in time to appear against his childhood club at the Nou Camp, especially since Arsenal has a narrow 2-1 advantage.
Wenger mentioned on Arsenal TV Online, “Regarding Cesc, we are assessing him day by day. He seems optimistic about his injury after today’s assessment.
“We believe he stands a chance. I want to manage expectations, so I say he has ‘a chance’; my belief is stronger than that.”
Currently, Arsenal is already without striker Robin van Persie and England winger Theo Walcott, and midfielder Alex Song is also having trouble with his knee issue.
“Alex Song will miss Saturday’s match (Sunday AEDT) and his availability for Barcelona is uncertain,” Wenger confirmed.
“As of now, he hasn’t trained at all. His knee problem is improving daily, but we will evaluate his condition on Monday.”
Tomas Rosicky is anticipated to be fit after leaving the recent 5-0 FA Cup fifth-round replay victory over Leyton Orient due to a head injury.
Additionally, midfielder Aaron Ramsey might make his return to the squad after a year on loan at Cardiff, following a broken leg.
Wenger noted about the 21-year-old: “Aaron has a chance to be included in the squad for Saturday. Having him back would be excellent.
“He is progressively improving now. We know he possesses a strong work ethic, excellent passing ability, and scoring capability.”
Centre-back Laurent Koscielny, who was faulted for a defensive mistake that allowed Birmingham to clinch a late win at Wembley, is uncertain for the match due to a hamstring issue. Nevertheless, Wenger believes he should be ready for Barcelona.
by Buford Balony
