Jack Wilshere will not be recalled for Sunday’s Premier League visit of Crystal Palace, says Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
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ARSENE Wenger is reluctantly coming to terms with the fact that Arsenal’s title challenge is over after admitting that his side now has to focus on the teams chasing a Champions League spot.
“First of all, we are not behind yet”, he said ahead of his side’s Super Sunday game with Crystal Palace, live on Sky Sports.
Describing Palace as a team with a good “offensive potential”, the manager said his side had to be strong defensively in order to beat them.
Five points from the last three games, including a first win in 15 league games, have eased the pressure on Palace, whose thoughts are also focused on the upcoming FA Cup semi-final with Watford. “I think they have almost got out of their relegation problems”, Wenger said.
Wilshere and Rosicky played for the under-21s on Thursday and might be available for the next game.
Last Meeting: Despite a lethargic display from start to finish, Arsenal managed to sneak a victory over Crystal Palace on the opening day of last season thanks to a last-gasp victor from Aaron Ramsey.
Arsenal look set to have a fully fit squad for the season’s conclusion as injured players are now on the cusp of returning to full training. His numbers are absolutely exceptional in the Premier League.
Connor Wickham could also force his way into the starting XI.
They have yet to win a home league London derby this season (D1, L2).
After spending big in recent years, this season has seen Arsenal add just two senior players in Petr Cech and Mohamed Elneny, and some have been concerned by the lack of squad depth.
“Given the way we play, Santi is the ideal player for us because he loves receiving the ball, he brings our centre-backs into the game and really helps us to bring the ball out”, the defender told Arsenal’s official website.
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Former Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor has scored on two of his last three appearances as a visiting player at the Emirates Stadium.
