Arsenal Face Injury Crisis Ahead Of European Tie

Arsenal Face Injury Crisis Ahead Of European Tie

Arsenal are facing a mini-injury crisis ahead of their visit to France where they face Olympique Marseille in the opening round of fixtures in the UEFA Champions League group stage, as both their stars Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil face late fitness tests before the crucial tie.

The Gunners have been in sublime form over the past few weeks, and Arsene Wenger will be delighted with the response of the team after the poor start to the Barclays Premier League campaign. The disappointment of not getting an additional striker has been eased by the good run of performances by French striker Giroud. The former Montpellier player began his career at Arsenal last season, when he faced criticism from many fronts after not replicating the goalscoring touch he had in his native land. This led the supporters to appeal and demand another striker, which they thought would be a possibility considering the board’s public statement about surplus funds being available to Wenger for quality signings. However, with hours to go before the window shut, the supporters were in for a treat, as reports emerged about Arsenal’s strong link to then Real Madrid midfielder Ozil, who completed a club record £42.5 million move to the Emirates Stadium.


Ozil made his full debut for the side in their visit to the Stadium of Light, and the German international showed exactly why Wenger was so eager to have him in the side. The former Werder Bremen midfielder dominated in midfield, and was one of Arsenal’s best players on show, as he set up various chances for Giroud up front.

Arsenal face Marseille in the opening group stage tie at the Stade Velodrome, and Wenger will know the importance of getting a good start in this stage of the competition. With nearly a decade without a trophy, Wenger’s men will be determined to get a result.

According to the Metro, Wenger has revealed that the medical staff will conduct late fitness tests to assess the availability of Giroud and Ozil, both being important members of the team.

Wenger said, “We have a few problems. Some with [Mesut] Ozil but the main one is Giroud, who has a knee problem. He will have a test tomorrow and hopefully he will be fit. But it will only be decided tomorrow,

“There is good news. Mertesacker will be available again after illness.

“He [Ozil] was ill and has some tight muscles after Saturday. But I think he will be okay. We are optimistic.”

Let’s hope both lads are declared fit and are able to take their places in the starting lineup.