Arsenal injury update – Walcott, Podolski, Ox and Wilshire

Ahead of the highly anticipated Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal have been given a huge boost on the injury front as winger Theo Walcott is on the brink of fitness. While the trip to Germany might be a bit too early for the Englishman, he seems to be more than likely to take to the pitch against reigning Premier League champions Manchester United on Saturday.

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, the 23-year-old has significantly stepped up his training after going through a minor surgery for an abdominal problem and might well be set to join his Arsenal teammates when they travel to the red half of Manchester after returning from Germany. Walcott has been on the sidelines for seven weeks and his return will certainly be a huge sigh of relief for the Arsenal fans.

Meanwhile, Lukas Podolski also does not seem to be too far away from a first team return. The German forward has resumed training after dealing with a hamstring problem and is expected to be back after the international break. Englishman Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to return in December. However, it is not all good news for Wenger as Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs have both been ruled out of the Dortmund game with the club yet to be sure about the extent of their injuries.

Despite having so many injury problems so early on in the season, Arsene Wenger finds his team at the top of the Premier League table and five points clear of the chasing pack. With the club’s more natural wide players all set to return after the next couple of games, it will surely add a more direct element to the Arsenal attack in addition to the immense creativity already present as they look to chase the title. Personally, I am optimistic of our chances. How about you?