Wenger Gives Fitness Update On Sagna, Podolski & Walcott Ahead Of City Clash

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has given the latest on the fitness of Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski ahead of this weekends trip to Manchester City.

Speaking to reporters at his press conference this morning, the boss confirmed that all the players who travelled to Napoli are feeling ‘alright’, so we have no fresh injury worries to contend with.

Wenger also revealed that Sagna will face a late fitness test on a hamstring injury but he’s ‘optimistic’ the Frenchman will be passed fit.

“Yesterday the players came in, everybody felt alright. We have doubts about Sagna. He has a test today – I’m optimistic Sagna will be fit,” said Wenger.

Having Sagna back would be a huge bonus, so fingers crossed he makes it. Carl Jenkinson struggled against Napoli and we’ll be a far more solid unit if Sagna is playing.

Lukas Podolski is available, but the boss feels the German forward is still a little short of fitness and is unlikely to feature at the Etihad, meaning he’ll be back to take on Chelsea next week.

“Lukas Podolski is available. He is just short so he will be ready for the next game,” Wenger continued.

There is little point in taking a risk with Podolski. He’s been out for over three months and we have enough talent in midfield/attack to cope for another week without him.

The final fitness update was on Theo Walcott. The speedster hasn’t started since returning from a two month lay-off but Wenger feels he’s finally back to ‘full power’ this week.

“It took Walcott a while to get back to full power but he is looking stronger this week,” Wenger said today

I really hope Walcott starts tomorrow as his pace has been sorely missed in recent weeks. It really stretches teams and the likes of Clichy won’t be able to bomb forward and put our defence under as much pressure if Theo’s on the pitch.

That’s the team news update, I’ll have my preview up shortly. COYG!!!

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