January signing Mohamed Elneny is set to make his Arsenal FC debut on Saturday against Burnley, while key midfielder Francis Coquelin is set to make his return after completing two weeks of full training. 

 

Midfielder Mohamed Elneny is set to make his first appearance for Arsenal FC in the fourth round of the FA Cup against Burnley on Saturday, while the game could also see the return of defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin.

Manager Arsène Wenger was also able to provide updates on the recovery of two more of his central midfielders in Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla, as well as striker Danny Welbeck, who has been out of action for around 10 months.

Elneny in line to make first start 

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Burnley, Wenger hinted that Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny could start for the Gunners, describing the 23-year-old as a defensive box-to-box midfielder.

Wenger is quoted by the Arsenal FC website as saying: “It is a possibility [that Elneny will start]. He is naturally a box-to-box player who is a bit more defensive-minded than your usual box-to-box midfielder, so he can play in several positions in front of the defence or go box to box.

“He has good technique, good vision, he is very mobile and agile.”

The Frenchman also confirmed that two of his midfielders were available for selection once again after returning from injury. “Francis is available to play now because he has passed two weeks of full training,” added Wenger.  “Tomáš is also available for selection.”

Wenger provides update on Wilshere, Cazorla and Welbeck

Arsenal FC striker Danny Welbeck has yet to make an appearance this season, but is recovering well from his injury according to Wenger. Meanwhile, central midfielders Wilshere and Cazorla are also nearing a return to full fitness.

“Jack and Santi are progressing well but they are at least a few weeks away,” Wenger said (via arsenal.com). “But these two apart, it is just about competitiveness and match fitness.

“Danny Welbeck is not completely ready but he is not far. He needs a game or two because he’s been out since last April. The Stoke [under-21] game is too soon because he only had one session with the team, and that is too short.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Recommended

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.