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Relief for Wenger: Boss confirms huge Arsenal injury boost ahead of Tottenham clash
Arsene Wenger can breathe a sign of relief as Chris Coleman has confirmed Aaron Ramsey will be fit for Arsenal’s clash with Tottenham this weekend.
Ramsey came through the full ninety minutes during Wales’s 2-0 friendly defeat to France on Friday night but was then released from the squad ahead of their game with Panama this evening.
At the time, no reason was given for Ramsey’s withdrawal so understandably fans were concerned that the midfielder had picked up an injury that could make him a doubt for Saturday’s visit of Tottenham.
However, we can all relax as Coleman has now clarified that they took an early decision that Ramsey would only play against France and would play no part against Panama, so his withdrawal was pre-planned.
The Welsh coach went on to say that with Ramsey suffering from a number of niggling injuries in recent years they decided to give him a rest but confirmed that he is fit for the NLD this weekend.
The Evening Standard quoted Coleman as saying:
“Coming into the camp we knew we were only going to have him [Ramsey] for France,”
“No matter how he felt afterwards we decided it would be one game for Aaron Ramsey.
“I think coming into the camp because of what’s been happening with him at Arsenal in terms of his fitness we thought one game would be better than two.
“That was the thinking, he’s gone back to Arsenal. He will be available for them at the weekend.”
Finally, an international manager has made a sensible decision and chosen to rest a key player for the good of his country, his club and of course the long-term health of the player.
No doubt Wenger will be grateful to Coleman as Ramsey will now be fresh to face Spurs on Saturday in what is going to be a huge North London Derby at the Emirates.
Sadly, Didier Deschamps wasn’t quite so considerate with Olivier Giroud as the striker was still chosen to start against Wales on Friday despite carrying a thigh injury.
Giroud felt the problem during the pre-match warm up and was given anti-inflammatories to help him play but aggravated the injury and is now a doubt to face Tottenham.
Laurent Koscielny is also a concern after missing training with his country after feeling pain in his troublesome Achilles – so let’s pray that doesn’t turn out to be anything serious.