Looking forward to the final Premier League game of the season, there was plenty of Euro 2016 talk for Arsène Wenger to sink his teeth into.
Friday morning’s press conference involved questions on three England internationals after injury ruled Danny Welbeck out for nine months.
There’s better news for Jack Wilshere, who is available after a long time out, and could start for Arsenal for the first time all season this weekend.
“He can start, he played 70 minutes in a very intense game, so he can start,” Wenger said, though no decision has been made on the starting XI just yet. Wilshere replaced Danny Welbeck against Manchester City last weekend and appears fit, even if he is lacking a little match sharpness.
“There’s no problem and I consider him as a player who is ready to play.”
With that in mind, Roy Hodgson is certain to pick Wilshere in his Euro 2016 squad on Monday and Wenger feels the tournament could be timed perfectly for the midfielder.
“It comes at the right moment for him, let’s hope until the start of the Euros it all goes well.”
Another Arsenal man whose involvement at the European Championships isn’t so clear is Theo Walcott.
February was the last time the forward started a Premier League game but Danny Welbeck’s injury could yet save Walcott’s Arsenal career, as well as his England hopes.
“I think he should go because he has gone through a bad spell, it’s true, after the Manchester United game he had a difficult period,” the Arsenal boss said of the 27-year-old. “In the last months, he has come back very strong, worked very hard in training and I think he could be a positive surprise for England.”
Walcott will be hoping to start this weekend to give Roy Hodgson one last reminder of his talent, forcing his way into the squad at the last moment.
As for his Arsenal future, the striker has been linked with moves to West Ham United, Liverpool, and Manchester City. However, Welbeck’s injury could mean Arsenal are reluctant to let him go and Wenger told the media there’s no chance of him leaving.
“He will definitely be here.”