Arsenal Injury Woes Continue as Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey Face Fitness Tests Ahead of West Ham
Arsenal are still struggling with a number of injury concerns that could threaten their bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.
The Gunners edged closer to ending their nine year wait for silverware as they booked a place in the FA Cup final against Hull City after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
While they concentrated on cup matters, Everton leapfrogged Arsene Wenger's side into fourth place in the Premier League thanks to their weekend win over Sunderland that also gave them a two point cushion over the north London club.
With a battle on their hands for fourth spot Arsenal were boosted by the full return of Aaron Ramsey in the win over Wigan but Wenger confirmed that the club are still troubled by a number of injury doubts ahead of Tuesday's game against West Ham United.
"I cannot give you complete team news because many of them have to be checked today," Wenger said via the club's official website. "We have plenty of uncertainties for muscular problems and fatigue.
"Who could be available who was not in the squad on Saturday? Maybe Rosicky and Koscielny – we'll have to test him definitely today. There are plenty of uncertainties so I have to make up my mind late on.
"The main uncertainties are Monreal who had to come off with a dead leg. Podolski has a little (muscle) problem but I think he will be alright. Then there is Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey (both muscle tightness). They are the main problems."
Wenger spoke positively of Mesut Ozil's hopes of returning to fitness last week but provided no indication as to with the German will return for the visit of Sam Allardyce's side.
On the issue of Jack Wilshere's fitness, Wenger remained coy on the possibility of him returning before the end of the season. The 22-year-old fractured his left foot on international duty in early March, prompting fears over whether he will be fit for England's World Cup campaign.
"Jack should start to jog this week," the Arsenal boss said. "It is all going well, but we have to monitor him now day by day. I think the next three weeks will be very important for him."
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