With several first-team players currently out of action and on the sidelines, the two words Arsenal fans must dread hearing are "injury" and "setback".
Unfortunately for the Gunners, those were the words Arsene Wenger bore as he gave an update on his squad ahead of Saturday’s crucial trip to Everton.
With the English Premier League being the only competition in which the north London giants remain in, the Goodison Park tie is a must-win game for Arsenal; however, Wenger will be without Mathieu Flamini after suffering a hamstring injury in Wednesday’s defeat to Barca.
“We lost Flamini - his hamstring. He’s out for tomorrow,” Wenger revealed, as per the club's official website.
No Flamini for the trip to Everton
In addition, the long-serving French manager also admitted that influential midfielder Santi Cazorla has suffered a setback on the road to recovery, and thus the Spaniard – alongside Jack Wilshere – will not return to the first-team immediately after the international break.
The former Malaga playmaker, who has been out since November, damaged knee ligaments; however, Wenger confessed that although the 31-year-old’s knee is in “perfect” condition, he has suffered an Achilles problem which will delay his comeback.
“Wilshere is showing good signs now of recovery, Santi is a bit slower. The players who will definitely be back from injury [after the international break] will be Ramsey, Cech and maybe Flamini. But I don't think Cazorla or Wilshere will be straight after the international break.”
“Cazorla’s knee is perfect. He has a little Achilles problem," Le Prof added, as per the Daily Star.
Santi had been subject to previous setback rumors, but took to Twitter earlier this month to reassure the fans that he was on schedule and due for a return on April 1.
Surprised by the piece of news appeared in press, deadlines are going as planned. I will be ready on 1st April. #workinghard
— Santi Cazorla (@19SCazorla) March 2, 2016
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