adminLONDON – Arsene Wenger is upbeat about a strong second half of the season showing from an Arsenal side set to capitalise on the return of injured players like Mesut Ozil and Mikel Arteta.
Wenger expects Ozil and Arteta to return to action in January, while Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny are due back imminently to help reignite the Gunners’ quest for a top-four finish in the English Premier League.
The Christmas schedule features fixtures against QPR, West Ham and Southampton and Wenger believes Arsenal, who occupy sixth place in the table, will soon be in a position to realise their potential.
“To give absolutely everything in every single game until the end of the season,” replied Wenger when asked to outline his aspirations for his team heading into the festive period yesterday.
“I believe that with the injuries coming back we’ll have a much stronger squad than we had for the past two months. I believe 2015 can be very exciting if we manage to get our injured players back and have a good run. Finishing in the top four is always the minimum required here. We’ve the Champions League and we’ve the FA Cup and we want to come back in a much stronger position in the Premier League, and I think we will.
“Our Christmas is not an easy schedule – it’s a tough schedule. There’re three games in a very short period of time and we can make up points.
“It’s a period where you’ve an opportunity to make points. Our opponents will think that as well, but let’s just put the performances in and capitalise on it.”
Ozil and Arteta are on target for January comebacks from knee and calf injuries and although Ramsey and Koscielny may miss the Boxing Day showdown with hamstring and calf problems, they could both be in action against Southampton on New Year’s Day.
“Ozil will be back at the beginning of January. His rehab has gone well but it took time. He works very hard. He’s very focused. Fitness-wise, he’s there,” Wenger said.
“Arteta is progressing well. He had a little setback with an ankle problem but it should be very quick now. He’ll not play before January.
“Ramsey has a chance to be fit for Southampton. The closest at the moment is Koscielny. I believe he’s a bit short for QPR, maybe has a chance for West Ham on Sunday.” – AFP
Online Reporter