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Arsenal team news: Wenger’s update on Cech, Monreal & Welbeck ahead of Tottenham trip

By mac14 on February 8, 2018

Arsene Wenger has provided a team news update ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Wembley on Saturday to take on rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The boss confirmed that Petr Cech will face a late fitness test after limping off during the second half of our 5-1 thrashing of Everton last weekend.

Reports earlier this week suggested the 35-year-old could miss the North London Derby with a calf problem and it looked like David Ospina was set for his first Premier League start of the season.

However, the injury isn’t as bad as first feared and although Cech is still considered a doubt as he’s been unable to train this week, Wenger says he will make a final decision over who’ll start in goal tomorrow.

Nacho Monreal was replaced at half-time during the win over Everton last Saturday due to illness but the Spaniard is expected to be available for selection this weekend.

Danny Welbeck has missed our last four games in all competitions with a muscle problem but the boss says he could be back in contention on Saturday, so that will be a big boost to have another attacking option from the bench.

So overall, it looks like we’ll have a similar squad available to the one that faced Everton if Cech is passed fit with the possible addition of Welbeck coming back in.

Here’s what the boss said this morning:

At Colney. Wenger: "Basically, we should have a similar squad. Maybe Danny Welbeck will be back and we had a few problems with Petr Cech who is not sure – I don't know yet. Monreal looks alright again. Cech or Ospina, I will make that decision tomorrow."

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) February 8, 2018