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Arsene Wenger Update: Defender 50-50 To Face Chelsea, Duo Ruled Out

By on April 23, 2015

Mikel Arteta

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Per Mertesacker is rated as just 50-50 to face Chelsea this weekend but Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are still out.

Mertesacker was forced off midway through the second half of our FA Cup semi-final victory over Reading last weekend and left Wembley wearing a protective boot on his left ankle.

The boss has confirmed to reporters at his pre-match press conference this morning that the centre-back is receiving treatment but has just a 50% of being passed fit to take on Chelsea on Sunday.

If Per is ruled out, then Gabriel is on stand-by to come in and start alongside Laurent Koscielny at the back.

Arsene also revealed that Oxlade-Chamberlain is still out as he continues to struggle with hamstring and groin injuries that have plagued him over the past two months.

The boss said last Thursday that The Ox was facing a crucial week as if the inflammation didn’t reduce, the midfielder may be forced to miss the rest of the season.

Wenger didn’t give any further details away in today’s conference other than to say the 21-year-old won’t face Chelsea, but let’s hope the injury is improving and he’ll be back soon as it would be a shame for him to miss another seasons climax.

The final update from Arsene was on Mikel Arteta and he confirmed that although the skipper is now back in training following a lengthy absence through injury, he’s still short of match fitness and won’t be considered this weekend.

Here’s what the boss told reporters this morning: