Arsenal can't pin hopes on Jack Wilshere.

Afternoon all,

We are in the middle of the week and there really isn't much to report. There is no game this weekend with the internationals taking place. Out of our first team squad, the following are meeting with their national teams:

England: Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Germany: Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker.
Spain: Santi Cazorla.
Belgium: Thomas Vermaelan.
France: Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, Abou Diaby.
France U/21s: Francis Coquelin.
Wales: Aaron Ramsey.
Switzerland: Johan Djourou.
Poland: Lukas Fabianski.
Ivory Coast: Gervinho.

Total: 14

So 14 first team squad members won't be training at Colney this week which is far from ideal. Our squad was just getting to know each other and one another's playing style. We will have to have luck on our side regarding injuries this week. Santi Cazorla is travelling to Georgia and Gervinho is going down to Africa. Other than that, the players aren't travelling too far. 

Jack Wilshere has taken another step on his road to recovery. He will start full training in 2 weeks with a view to a full return in a months time. Arsenal fans will have to be patient with Jack. He hasn't touched a football in 13 months and we must realise that it will take time to get his sharpness back. Aaron Ramsey was subjected to abuse from fans towards the end of last season when his form took a turn for the worst. He started the season brightly but due to lack of midfield options, was unfairly over played. By the end of January you could see his exhaustion, not only physically but also mentally. I'm hopeful that Arsene will take extra caution regarding Jack. We have sufficient options in midfield to be able to cope - not taking into account any further injuries - and he should be eased into it. I would expect him to be playing regularly by January.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is getting offered a new and improved contract at Arsenal after arriving only last year such has been his impact at the club. I am happy that we are trying to tie down our prized young talent down to long term deals but contracts don't really mean anything nowadays. Its just a bargaining tool used to raise prices. Player power rules and Arsenal know that better than anybody. Fabregas had 4 years left when he forced his way out. Hopefully Chambo realises his long term future lies at Arsenal. 

Other than that there isn't much to report. Some are getting their knickers in a twist over PHW's comments in the Evening Standard. What do I say? Nothing. I can't be bothered to scrutinize comments made by a man way too old to be an active board member. 

'Till Tomorrow


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