Arsenal FC: International Break Brings Some Injury Relief and Worry

Oh, it’s a happy day for Gooners on the injury front as the international break comes to a close. Key players Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott all missed international action due to injury.

According to manager Arsene Wenger, all three will be fit enough for the weekend match against Blackburn Rovers that Arsenal FC must win in order to keep pressure on current leaders Manchester United. Midfielder Abou Diaby will also be fit to play on Saturday.

Strikers Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner both picked up knocks while on international duty with Holland and Denmark, respectively, but the damage isn’t considered serious. Both will undergo fitness tests before Saturday and are expected to pass.

The manager had this to say regarding the chances of RvP and Bendtner returning soon:

"Van Persie has a good chance, too. He has a final assessment tomorrow, but we believe he will be fit. It is a bruised knee. Nicklas Bendtner is in the same situation. He will have a test tomorrow on his ankle and we'll see."

Surely Arsenal fans everywhere were worried going into the break that players might get injured. The team already had so many key players out with injury.

The title race is in their hands, as they trail the leaders by five points with a game in hand. They need the strongest team possible through the final stretch of the season, especially with key fixtures against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United coming up.

Arsenal aren’t totally in the clear. Along with the players coming back from injury, there is one who will definitely not be fit for Saturday.

Wenger added, "We just have Denilson out. It is short–term. We have one or two players with question marks but all the other players will be available."

The question marks are probably RvP and Bendtner, but if Arsenal can catch a break, both will be available for the match on the weekend—and if they’re really lucky, for the rest of the season.

Quotes taken from the Guardian.