Arsenal Injury News: Almost Everyone Ok!

There's been some good news ahead of Arsenal's home fixture against Newcastle on Monday night. According to Arsene Wenger, Arsenal are relatively injury free. There's some knocks and bruises from the Milan game, but those should clear up by Monday.

Having had no fullbacks just a month ago, Arsenal are now back to their full complement, as Andre Santos returns to full training on Friday. Well, when I say full complement, I mean 3.5 fullbacks, because Kieran Gibbs has a slight groin problem. If he doesn't play, it may mean a quick return for Santos, or having Carl Jenkinson play left back. But Arsenal have options at fullback for the first time in months, which is a good thing.

There's also very good news in the midfield department. Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta are both back in the squad. I think Arteta is more likely to start, as his injury was not related to a muscle, bone or joint, whereas Aaron Ramsey's was. Also, with Tomas Rosicky in such fine form, it'd be harsh on the Czech to drop him as soon as Ramsey is fit.

Theo Walcott should also be alright, having just received a kick on his hip. That means he probably has a bruise, which is a very treatable injury for a football player. Yossi Benayoun returned to training on Thursday, and could be in the squad for Monday night. I hope he is; last time at home in the league, Benayoun was instrumental in Arsenal's attacking play, and I think starting with Benayoun, Rosicky and Gervinho or Theo Walcott behind Robin van Persie is better for Arsenal's ball retention than starting with both Gervinho and Theo Walcott. Having been ill, I don't find it likely that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will start, but if it is, it wouldn't be the most shocking thing Arsene Wenger did.

The only players who remain out of action are Francis Coquelin, who should return in a couple of weeks, and long-term absentees Per Mertesacker, Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong.