Wenger laments international injuries

11 September 2009 07:48
Arsene Wenger is keeping his fingers crossed the international schedule will not have robbed Arsenal of more key men after Russia playmaker Andrey Arshavin was ruled out for three matches. The midfielder aggravated a groin problem playing against Wales on Wednesday night, which left the Gunners boss less than impressed having withdrawn him as a precaution during the last Barclays Premier League game at Manchester United. "We have to wait a bit to see what damage has been done by the international games, but we have lost Arshavin," Wenger said. "We are upset because Arshavin should not have played against Wales. He was not in a condition where he could afford to play 90 minutes." He added: "We took him off against Manchester United because he was injured already at half-time. "He will be out for Saturday, Wednesday and certainly next Saturday against Wigan." Wenger lamented: "You can say a lot about it, but it does not do a lot." Winger Tomas Rosicky made his comeback for the Czech Republic, but may be short of match fitness to feature at Manchester City on Saturday, where Arsenal will face former players Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure, both sold in the summer. Theo Walcott, though, remains in recovery from a back problem, although could be included in the plans for next week's Champions League group opener at Standard Liege. "Theo is rid of the injury now," said Wenger. "What is important now is to get him competitive again. "He has not had any normal training sessions with the team, but I hope that will happen soon. He should be available next week."

Source: Eurosport