Wenger eyes Lansbury return & confirms Bartley could bolster defence

Posted Tuesday, February 01, 2011 by Sport.co.uk

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he could conceivably recall players sent out on loan after midfield pair Denilson and Samir Nasri suffered hamstring injuries in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Huddersfield.

It is also understood that the Frenchman’s frustration at failing to find suitable cover is another factor which could force his hand in recalling reserve team players to the Emirates fold.

The Gunners have sent several youngsters on loan in recent weeks with English trio Jay Emmanuel-Thomas Emmanuel-Thomas, Henri Lansbury and Kyle Bartley on loan at Cardiff City, Norwich City and Sheffield United respectively. With Aaron Ramsey also set for a second month long spell away from North London this season – at former club Cardiff – Arsenal are without many of the young stars who usually bolster the options of their esteemed tactician.

"Denilson looks to have a hamstring problem but certainly less serious than Nasri," Wenger told press after the match with Huddersfield. "But I have given a few players on loan, I might recall some."

"We have Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, we have especially Henri Lansbury who has gone on loan. I can [recall Kyle Bartley] but he has not played at all in the Premier League," said Wenger.

"It is difficult at the moment. Ramsey is out on loan for one month. If it is a month you have to wait for the month unless we have exceptional injuries, then you can have the request [to recall a player]. But Ramsey needs games so even if you recall him he needs first games before he plays."