Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be out for up to two months after suffering a knee injury during his side’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League.
The England international underwent a scan to find out the extend of the injury after leaving the Emirates on crutches. The latest result suggests that the midfielder will be out of action for six to eight weeks, but the Frenchman confirmed that there is no need for Oxlade-Chamberlain to go under the knife.
“I will have to check today, but I don’t think we have any problems since Sunday apart from one or two who have muscular tightness. Apart from that, everybody should be available,” Wenger told Arsenal’s official website.
“[He will be out for] six for eight weeks. No surgery. We feared surgery at some stage before we saw the MRI. In the end we got, on that front, positive news. The next eight weeks means March and April.”
“It’s possible I will make changes. Some players are still not out of it. I will have to see if I have to be cautious with Danny Welbeck or not. Medically I need advice on that and I will see.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s latest setback has raised questions over his chances of making it England squad for the summer’s European championship. When asked about the possibility of taking part in the tournament, Wenger said: “He should be OK for the Euros.”
Arsenal face Swansea City in the Premier League clash during the midweek as they look to bounce back from the two defeats, first against Barcelona and the at the hands of arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The north London club’s performance against the Red Devils have been heavily criticised and former players and football pundits have raised questions over Arsenal’s ability to challenge for the title.
Wenger believes the recent criticism directed towards Arsenal could motivate them when they host the Welsh club.
“I’m never surprised by the criticism that comes – that’s part of the media today. Part of the opinion is always a bit excessive and emotional, but we have to deal with that and I don’t complain about it,” Arsenal manager explained.
“Yes, that’s what we want to do [and use criticism as motivation]. We want to transform the negatives into positives around us and create even more solidarity.”
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