The midfield duo join a long list of absentees.
The busy Christmas fixture list has clearly taken its toll on Arsenal as manager Arsene Wenger reveals Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey are all injured.
#afc Wenger says ‘plenty of injury problems.’ Ramsey, Ozil out. Giroud out. Walcott, Rosicky doubtful. Vermaelen, Monreal doubtful – ill
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) December 31, 2013
Giroud picked up a knock after making a clumsy challenge in the 0-1 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday, whilst both Ozil and Ramsey were absent from that tie.
It means Nicklas Bendtner could be given a rare opportunity in the starting XI against Cardiff City on Wednesday, but this ever growing list of absentees will not make pleasing viewing for Wenger.
Ramsey is 3 weeks out. Ozil 2 to 3 weeks
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) December 31, 2013
It’s also likely that left-back Kieran Gibbs – who has been impressive this season – will be sidelined for the clash with Cardiff.
With club captain Thomas Vermaelen and Nacho Monreal suffering with illness, suddenly the Gunners squad is starting to look a little sparse.
Wenger has been extremely vocal in the past about the Frenchman’s condemnation of the busy period of games in the Premier League during the festive season.
This latest bout of fitness concerns will only exacerbate the 64-year-old’s belief that the footballing bodies in England should adopt the ideology on the continent and introduce a winter break.
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