Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott could come back from injury for the April 13th match against Norwich City.
Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere are closing in on returns from the sidelines for Arsenal, says Gunners assistant boss Steve Bould.
Walcott has struggled with a groin injury since facing Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Gunners’ UEFA Champions League last 16 clash last month, while Jack Wilshere was ruled out shortly before that trip with an ankle complaint.
The two had been amongst the Gunners’ leading lights this season. Walcott has scored 11 goals and supplying nine assists in the Barclays Premier League, whilst Wilshere has developed into the heartbeat of the side already, despite only being 20 years of age.
Whilst both could be ready for Arsenal’s match against Norwich on Saturday April 13th, the positive news for the north London club’s fans is that the team has performed impressively without them.
In the absence of Walcott, Gervinho has stepped up to the plate, whilst without Wilshere in the side, Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla have combined to excellent effect.
However, it is worth noting that without Wilshere in the starting line-up, the Gunners average far less points per match than when he is selected – 1.83 points per game with Wilshere and 1.54 without.
As with many statistics though, it is important to give context, and recently Arsenal have looked far more solid at the back in comparison with Wilshere’s previous absence earlier in the season – largely down to Arsene Wenger dropping captain Thomas Vermaelen in place of Laurent Koscielny.
Perhaps Walcott and Wilshere’s returns will give Arsenal the boost they need for a final push for that coveted UEFA Champions League place though, and Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea will be looking over their shoulders.
Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal could also come back into the team for this weekend’s match against West Bromwich Albion.
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