Wenger gives updates on Wilshere, Ramsey, Cech and Cazorla ahead of Arsenal clash

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Published on:

31 Mar 2016, 7:10 am

By Arsenal correspondent Tony Hughes

Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini are in line to return for Arsenal's Premier League trip to West Ham on Saturday of next week, according to Arsene Wenger.

The Gunners manager has revealed that the trio are the closest of the team's seven injured players to first-team comebacks.

Cech (calf), Ramsey (thigh) and Flamini (hamstring) are not expected to be available for Saturday's match against Watford at Emirates Stadium, although Wenger said the goalkeeper has still not be completely ruled out.

Speaking to the Arsenal website on Thursday afternoon, Wenger said: "Cech is going back to normal training. It’s too early to say if he will be available for the weekend. He might be a bit short to be competitive.

"Ramsey will not be available for this weekend, but hopefully next weekend. Flamini is short for this weekend but could be available next weekend."

The Arsenal boss also gave updates on long-term absentees Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Tomas Rosicky.

Wilshere has not played all season after fracturing his shin in August and Wenger is still reluctant to set a comeback date for the injury-prone England international.

"Wilshere and Rosicky are back in full training," He said. "Basically they are all progressing well."

Comeback kid: Cazorla is stepping up his recovery from ligament damage

Asked about reports that Wilshere is set for a run-out with the Arsenal Under-21s, the manager said: "Not yet, no, we have not decided that yet. It is his first week back in full training and we’ll see how he responds to that, but the first signs are quite good. We’ll assess our options next week."

Wenger also confirmed that, as revealed by Football Insider on Thursday morning, Santi Cazorla is also a month away from a return.

"Santi Cazorla is running again outside so it should be three to four weeks more training for Santi," the manager said.

Arsenal

Petr Cech

Aaron Ramsey

Jack Wilshere

Santi Cazorla