Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, admits he may have to become active in the transfer market until its deadline on Friday, following new injury worries and a red card for Flamini last night.
The Gunners missed the chance to stand firm on the top of league and could be overtaken by Chelsea and Manchester City tonight after their 2-2 draw at Southampton.
Mathieu Flamini was dismissed for a two-footed tackle in the 80th minute and will be suspended for three matches, while Santi Cazorla was forced off with an injury and Aaron Ramsey also suffered an injury set-back before the game.
With Ramsey rumoured to be out for up to another six weeks, and long-term absentees, Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby, Wenger seems to be forced into transfers.
“I have nothing to tell you tonight, maybe I hope we have something to tell you because we lost a few players now,” Wenger said after the game.
“We have lost Flamini for three games and Ramsey, but overall I think Jack Wilshere will be back soon, so I think we’ll be OK.”
When asked about Ramsey’s new injury, Wenger said: “Yes, he has had a set-back in training yesterday (Monday), but we hope it’s not for too long.
“He will certainly not be available for Sunday’s game (at home to Crystal Palace). I have to (think about ins and outs.”
Wenger described the first half as Arsenal’s most difficult in the season so far, but was pleased with his side’s comeback and would have settled for a point when asked at half-time.
“We have shown again great character.
“It’s not good enough but at least considering the situation it’s not too bad the way we responded.”
However, the Arsenal boss admitted his side showed an unusual character after immediately conceding the 2-2 equalizer within minutes of going 2-1 up.
“I feel we switched a little bit off.
After their home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Arsenal will face Liverpool, Manchester United, Liverpool (FA Cup) and Bayern Munich (UCL) in only 11 days. And Wenger’s side cannot afford to ‘switch off’ like on Tuesday night, if they want to win any silverware this season.
With Arsenal’s fixture list heating up, do the Gunners need to buy more players? Have your say in the comment section below.
