Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirms Aaron Ramsey out of Europa League clash against Ostersunds but has slight hope he will be fit for Carabao Cup final
Midfielder has been struggling with a persistent groin injury and will struggle to be available for Sunday's showdown with Manchester City
ARSENE WENGER has confirmed Aaron Ramsey is out of the Ostersunds clash tomorrow night — but there is a slight hope he will make the Carabao Cup final.
The Arsenal midfielder has been struggling with a persistent groin injury and will not take part as the Gunners look to cement their place in the next round of the Europa League at the Emirates.
Ramsey, 27, also looks set to miss the huge Wembley showdown with Manchester City on Sunday but boss Wenger refused to rule him out.
Wenger said: “Ramsey is not in the squad for tomorrow. He had a good training session but he’s not available for tomorrow.
“We will see how his evolution goes between now and Sunday. I don’t rule him out.
“It depends how well he can improve the intensity of training.”
Mesut Ozil has also been doubtful for the final is Mesut Ozil who has been struggling with illness this week.
But Wenger expects the German World Cup winner to back to fitness for the end of the week.
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Wenger added: “Mesut was sick until today. He was in bed Monday, Tuesday.
“I would have played him but he will have to work hard tomorrow.”
The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners in the sub-zero tempratures of northern Sweden last Thursday.
A young team played at the Jamtkraft Arena and the likes of Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are expected to get another run out tomorrow.
Wenger said: “A big part is done but we have to show enough respect and love to the tournament.
“It’s a good opportunity for the players to show they can compete at this level.
“There is a fight for everybody in all positions at the moment.”
Wenger also confirmed Petr Cech will not take David Ospina's place for the game tomorrow or the Carabao Cup final.
He added: “It’s always a difficult decision, but I’ve been clear about that from the start of the season. I have two world-class keepers.”