Aaron Ramsey Talks Arsenal Fitness After Run to Euro 2016 Semi-Finals with Wales

Aaron Ramsey has admitted he needs "a few weeks off" and hinted he could be short of fitness for the start of Arsenal's Premier League campaign on August 14 after reaching the semi-finals with Wales at Euro 2016.

He was suspended for Wales' 2-0 last-four defeat to Portugal on Wednesday but was excellent throughout the tournament.

Ramsey, 25, has the rest of July to recuperate, but he suggested he might not be back to full fitness for Arsenal's opening game of the Premier League season, per the Guardian's David Hytner:

"

I am back [with Arsenal] on 1 August, so I have a few weeks off but, obviously, it kicks off a couple of weeks afterwards. 

A few years ago, Germany won the World Cup and the German players came in just a few days before the first game of the season, but they missed that. [Manager Arsene Wenger] does like to give players a little break and I’ll be getting the same treatment. I feel I need a few weeks off now.

"

The Gunners will need to hit the ground running when the Premier League starts up again, as they face a tough opening match against Liverpool. It will be a blow if Ramsey is not available.

However, there should be no urge to rush the Welshman back until he is match fit, as he proved at the Euros he could be a major asset for Arsenal next season. 

Ramsey endured a mixed campaign for the Gunners in 2015-16, scoring five Premier League goals and providing four assists, his worst return since 2012-13, per WhoScored.com.

At Euro 2016, though, he was involved in five of Wales' 10 goals and was brilliant in central midfield, per WhoScored:

Ramsey was a big miss as Wales lost to Portugal, and despite the presence of Gareth Bale in the squad, he was arguably the Dragons' player of the tournament. The Times' Oliver Kay was impressed with his performances in France:

If he can carry his form into the new Premier League season, he could be the talisman around whom Wenger builds a title-winning side.

Arsenal have the personnel to cover for Ramsey should he not be available for the start of the campaign, with Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny and new signing Granit Xhaka all able to operate in the middle of the park.