Defenders return delayed further and contract rebels are ‘committed’

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Chambers return delayed further

Calum Chambers’ return to the side has been pushed back by another two weeks as his injury woes continue. After missing the start of the season due to a hip injury, the England U21 player returned to action in the Carabao Cup against Doncaster. Chambers lasted only half the game before being forced off with a recurrence of the same problem. He was expecting to return again this week either against Watford or Red Star Belgrade but may now only appear in November. Arsenal could do with that being the maximum time the 22-year-old is sidelined for as injury concerns to other defensive options has left them short at the back.

Mertesacker does not doubt players commitment

Per Mertesacker believes that Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez’s commitment to the club can not be questioned. With the two stars failing to agree new contracts and subject to a lot of speculation over their future in the summer some wonder if they are giving their all for Arsenal. Mertesacker, however, does not see it the same way. When asked if the pair are committed to the club he said:

“Yes. Everyone has to do his job 100 per cent otherwise they are not eligible to be on the pitch. As long as everyone understands that then we are fine and you won’t get problems from me. If I have a different feeling then it would be addressed. I have no problems with players in their final year, that includes me as well. The only issue I’ve got is if they’re not fully committed to what we’re doing here. Even if you’re in your final year you have to prove yourself every single day, in order to stay here or to get another contract somewhere else. A lot of people focus on being on long-term contracts, but that’s not needed. I don’t feel a dip in commitment; we’re in a good front with those who have their contracts expiring. It’s similar to me. I’m staying at the club definitely, which makes it a little bit different, but we want to be successful here and everyone is committed to that.”

‘Ozil is a warrior’ Pires

Former Arsenal great Robert Pires had gave some words on Mesut Ozil which may be the opposite view for many fans. Pires believes that Arsenal’s lack of spending is letting Ozil down and they have not built a team which suits the German playmaker. This is likely not a view shared by many fans but he was speaking to German Press at the time. Press said:

“Ozil is a warrior who wants to win something. To me, he seems so angry about the fact that Arsenal hasn’t put together the team with which he can make a difference. Arsenal has spent money only for Alexander Lacazette, €53m. That is not enough to be at the top. It is incredibly hard to stay at the top in England. But I still believe in Arsenal and, above all, Arsene Wenger. I find it right that he has extended for two years”