Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Published: 12 March, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENAL are hoping to find out later today (Thursday) just how long Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be sidelined for after the midfielder suffered a hamstring strain during Monday night’s FA Cup victory over Manchester United. 

The 21-year-old will definitely miss Saturday’s visit of West Ham, and is also expected to out of England’s upcoming European qualifier against Lithuania on March 27. 

“Chamberlain has a hamstring strain, the only thing we don’t know is how bad it is,” said Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger. 

“Usually the scans are only done 48 hours after the accident. Hopefully we’ll know more today.” 

On the plus side Wenger said that fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere was “progressing well” following minor surgery to remove studs from pins in his ankle, while Mathieu Flamini could be in line to face the Hammers after resuming full training following a hamstring problem. 

Arsenal are set to ring the changes against West Ham after Wenger admitted that the recent run of games had drained his squad. 

“We were at a high level of fatigue because we played against Monaco, Everton, QPR and Manchester United – all very physical games,” said the Frenchman. “I will have to see how the players are on Friday, and I will make my decision then.”