After a long dark tunnel of being plagued by injuries, Arsenal may perhaps be out at the other end and be looking forward to a healthier squad in the coming days. Arsenal could finally field their first choice back four for the first time in this whole campaign against West Ham on Sunday.
Laurent koscielny has been a significant miss for majority of this season but he has a chance to feature alongside Per Mertesacker. He sustained an Achilles injury in the game at Chelsea before the International break in October and has only featured once ever since.
The partnership between the two center backs was arguably one of the best in the league last season and the absence of a consistent partner may explain the drop in Per Mertesacker’s form. Especially, since the players deputizing alongside him have often been ones with very little or no experience playing at the centre-back position. The January window may be used by Arsene Wenger to reinforce the defence to add more depth to the defensive selection.
The midfield has also been a crisis spot with injuries piling up but with Ramsey’s return on the horizon, things may present a brighter look at the turn of the year. Fan favorite Tomas Rosicky returned to the starting lineup and scored the goal against QPR but is always prone to another injury so increased numbers are required quickly.
The attack line is perhaps the least affected area for Arsenal. Olivier Giroud’s brain fade moment may allow guys like Lucas Podolski and Joel Campbell to push for a place in the starting XI. Yaya Sanogo will also be in contention, as there is no news of any new hamstring strain.
And finally Theo Walcott may make his return against the Hammers. With his blitzing pace, he is a weapon to behold and may be instrumental against West Ham just as he was last season.
Columnist: Hassan Naqvi
atlast theo walcott returns hope he doesn't suffer any new injury
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