Arsenal given defender boost but doubts remain over duo

Thursday, February 14, 2013
4:37 PM

Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen has declared himself fit for action as the Gunners prepare to enter a crucial run of games which includes their Champions League double header against Bayern Munich.

Manager Arsene Wenger has indicated he could rotate his squad for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Blackburn as he looks to protect the fitness of several key men.

Vermaelen missed both the last two matches because of an ankle problem, which has been requiring injections.

But the Belgian centre-half said during a Q&A with fans on Arsenal’s official Twitter account this morning: “At the moment I feel great, I trained all week, so hopefully I will be back really quickly.”

Wenger later revealed Vermaelen was “looking quite good” and could be included this weekend.

However, the Gunners boss said midfielder Jack Wilshere was still be closely monitored after coming off against Sunderland with a dead leg.

Speaking to the club’s official website, www.arsenal.com, Wenger said: “He is having tests today and tomorrow.

“Jack is looking better. He is still a doubt for Saturday. He’s got a kick on the thigh.”

Wenger also revealed centre-half Laurent Koscielny remained a doubt with the calf injury which saw him limp out of the warm-up last weekend, after originally picking up the problem while away on international duty with France.

Full-back Carl Jenkinson will be suspended for the cup tie after his red card for two cautions at Sunderland.

With Kieran Gibbs still sidelined by a thigh problem and Andre Santos having joined Brazilian side Gremio on loan, Wenger’s defensive options are stretched, so Ignasi Miquel, the 20-year-old Spaniard, looks set to be involved again this weekend.