Premier League football is back this weekend, and Arsenal will be in action away to Watford on Saturday afternoon.
It appears that no players have returned from international duty with injury concerns, and two players look likely to be available for selection after missing the games against Olympiacos and Manchester United.
Midfielders Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini haven’t featured since the win away at Leicester City but are training again and could play at Vicarage Road.
“At the time Arteta and Flamini will certainly be available for selection,” Arsène Wenger said in Thursday’s press conference.
The manager also had an update on Laurent Koscielny, who suffered an injury in the loss to Olympiacos.
“The only thing today is Koscielny has a definite test to see if he is available or not,” said Wenger. Arsenal will want Koscielny available for the Champions League game against Bayern Munich on Tuesday but that leaves a tough decision. Would you want him to play Bayern after three weeks out, or risk him against Watford to help him find some rhythm before the big European tie?
With Gabriel and Per Mertesacker available and fresh after not representing their countries, Wenger’s decision may be easier. Many fans would consider Arsenal better with Koscielny, but we have two reliable and talented defenders who can play, should the Frenchman fall short.