Ramsey’s injury an untimely setback for Gunners ahead of City clash
Gunners’ fans from around the world will have no doubt been sweating over news that their midfield anchor, Aaron Ramsey, was forced off the field of play due to injury in Wales’ 2-1 victory over Andorra on Tuesday evening. The creative midfielder limped off the pitch in the final moments of the win and is now an injury doubt for Arsenal’s heavyweight bout with Manchester City at the weekend.
Ramsey was subject to some rough treatment throughout the 90 minutes on Tuesday and appeared to roll his ankle after receiving a kick with just minutes to spare in Andorra and Arsene Wenger will no doubt be hoping the Welshman is fit to contribute for Arsenal against the Premier League’s reigning champions on Saturday if he wishes to replicate the Londoners’ triumph over City in the Community Shield prior to the start of the season.
Ramsey was integral to that win – scoring the second goal and cutting an integral figure throughout the performance – so his presence could prove vital at the weekend. An update was given on Wednesday by Ramsey in a move to calm fears about his fitness, as he said: “I'll be alright - the pitch was very hard. There's no give in it so I rolled my ankle a bit,"
"Hopefully it will be nothing and I'll be available for Saturday. These are the games you want to play in and I'm looking forward to it." Added Ramsey.
Although he has all but declared himself fit to play after the tumble – on what fellow Welshman Gareth Bale described as “by far the worst pitch I’ve ever played on” – Gooners everywhere will be wondering whether Ramsey will be able to offer 100% in a fixture that comes just four days after the knock.
His place in the starting line-up is now a gamble for Wenger to consider along with other options attacking and midfield options Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski, who have been absent for Arsenal thus far this season due to extended leave following World Cup success with Germany.
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Arsenal are currently the underdogs going into the clash at the Etihad at a price of 19/10 in places, although that price could change should Ramsey not be passed fit and Wenger opts for other options, namely in the form of new signing Danny Welbeck. The Citizens are meanwhile priced at around 13/10, while a draw between the two sides is at 5/2 or 12/5 in most places.
