Cape Town - Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey will remain sidelined for the Gunners' match against Southampton
on New Year’s Day but Tomas Rosicky will almost certainly return to the squad.
According to the Telegraph, Arsene Wenger had hoped that Ramsey might have recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained against Galatasaray by the time of Thursday's game but it is understood that he will not be ready to start.
With Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere both also currently injured, it leaves Wenger again with the option of pairing Mathieu Flamini and Francis Coquelin in central midfield or asking Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Santi Cazorla to play in a more central position.
His attacking options are limited by the suspension to Olivier Giroud following his red card against Queens Park Rangers but Theo Walcott is now close to match fitness. Mesut Ozil will also return to full training shortly.
According to the Telegraph, Arsene Wenger had hoped that Ramsey might have recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained against Galatasaray by the time of Thursday's game but it is understood that he will not be ready to start.
With Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere both also currently injured, it leaves Wenger again with the option of pairing Mathieu Flamini and Francis Coquelin in central midfield or asking Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Santi Cazorla to play in a more central position.
His attacking options are limited by the suspension to Olivier Giroud following his red card against Queens Park Rangers but Theo Walcott is now close to match fitness. Mesut Ozil will also return to full training shortly.