Quantcast
Home   >   News   >   Arsenal Boss Confirms Duo Are Fit & Available For FA Cup Final

Arsenal Boss Confirms Duo Are Fit & Available For FA Cup Final

By on May 27, 2015

Mathieu Debuchy

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mathieu Debuchy are fit and available for this weekend’s FA Cup Final but concedes they lack match sharpness.

The Ox spent over two months on the sidelines nursing hamstring and groin injuries but made his comeback with a cameo appearance off the bench during the final stages of our 4-1 win over West Brom on Sunday.

The 21-year-old told reporters that he hoped to prove his fitness to the boss this week to put himself in contention to face Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday evening.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference this morning, Arsene confirmed that Oxlade-Chamberlain was available – although he did concede that he was ‘short on competition’.

I’d be hugely surprised if The Ox started in the final but hopefully he’ll be among the subs as it would be a huge blow for him to miss a second consecutive FA Cup final.

Debuchy has started just one game since injuring his shoulder against Stoke back in January and his comeback was further delayed when he picked up a hamstring problem at the start of the month.

The defender has been back in full training for over a week and Arsene has also confirmed he’ll be available for selection this weekend – but like The Ox, he’s lacking match sharpness.

I don’t think there’s any chance Debuchy will start as Hector Bellerin will keep his place at right-back but the Frenchman may sneak a place on the bench.

The only player certain to miss out this weekend is Danny Welbeck, with the attacker ruled out with a knee injury.

Here’s what Arsene told reporters today: