Arsenal vs Manchester United preview - Walcott a doubt for Gunners

Posted Friday, November 21, 2014 by PA

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is a major doubt for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash against Manchester United.

Walcott has a groin problem while former United striker Danny Welbeck (hamstring) will also be assessed along with Alexis Sanchez, who was involved in a lot of travelling while on international duty with Chile.

Captain Mikel Arteta has recovered from a hamstring problem while France frontman Olivier Giroud is back in contention after three months out with a broken leg.

Boss Arsene Wenger is confident when Giroud and Walcott are fully match fit, the Arsenal squad will have even more firepower at their disposal to add to the impressive form of Sanchez and Welbeck.

"Giroud and Arteta are both available. It is just a question of how ready they are, but they are available," said Wenger .

"He (Giroud) is three or four weeks ahead of schedule. Originally we planned to have him back for competition at the beginning of next year, so he is one month ahead."

Wenger added: "Yes (we relied on Welbeck), and on Sanchez as well, but we have Giroud back, we have Walcott back.

"Slowly they will integrate into the team again and give us different options."

Radamel Falcao will miss out for United as he is still suffering from a calf injury.

In defence Marcos Rojo (shoulder), Phil Jones (shin), Jonny Evans (ankle) and Rafael (hamstring) are out while Luke Shaw is a doubt due to a groin injury.

Midfielder Michael Carrick (groin), goalkeeper David de Gea (finger) and winger Angel di Maria (foot) are expected to play despite suffering minor injuries on international duty, but midfielder Daley Blind is sidelined with a serious knee problem sustained in Holland's 6-0 win over Latvia last week.

Arsenal against United has been one of the biggest fixtures on the calendar in recent years, but neither side is considered a serious title contender this season.

For Wayne Rooney, the fixture still brings back fond memories, though.

"We've had some great memories," the England captain said.

"Beating them in the Champions League semi-final (in 2009) was probably the highlight."

The same fixture last year ended in a dull 0-0 draw, but given the poor defensive record of both teams, it is unlikely the scoreline will be the same this season.

Rooney is hoping United can strike early against their opponents and is expecting a tough match.

"It's always a tight game and whoever gets the first goal normally wins or gets a result," the 29-year-old said.

"We have to go there with a good team shape and a good unit to make sure we do everything right.

"Arsenal have got a good squad, an exciting squad with a lot of young players and a lot of English players which is great for England. We know they play with a lot of energy and we'll have to be at our best to beat them."