Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil are doubtful to face Tottenham in the FA Cup third round at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Giroud missed the 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on New Year’s Day with an ankle injury, and has also picked up an illness, while Ozil wil have a test today on his injured shoulder, and could join Aaron Ramsey (thigh) and Kieran Gibbs (calf) on the sidelines.
“Giroud is 90 per cent out, Ozil has a test today,” Wenger said. “Gibbs and Ramsey remain out.”
Wenger added that Nicklas Bendtner, who suffered an ankle injury after scoring the opening goal in the win over Cardiff, will be out, but he is unsure of how long.
“From the last game we lost Bendtner. We don't know how serious it is. His scan will be assessed today.”
Wenger was full of praise for his opposite number, Tim Sherwood, who is unbeaten in all four of his matches in charge of the club since replacing Andre Villas- Boas, the last of which being an impressive 2-1 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“Tottenham are more adventurous now and they took a gamble with Sherwood that has paid off at the moment,” he said.
“If you look at Spurs' overall record since the start of the season, it is not a bad record at all.”
Video: Arsene Wenger - Arsenal naturally focused
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