Sickness bug hindering Arsenal’s FA Cup preparations – Wenger

Arsene Wenger has confirmed reports that a sickness bug is giving Arsenal “a little problem” ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Lincoln.

The Gunners host the non-leaguers on Saturday tea time where they will start as heavy favourites to progress to the semi-finals and keep alive their last hopes of winning a trophy this season.

Wenger has confirmed both Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi are doubtful for the match, while a sickness bug is also affecting the rest of the squad – with Mesut Ozil among those feeling unwell.

“We have two uncertainties – Welbeck and Iwobi,” Wenger said.  “We tried to play Welbeck [against Bayern]. It is the doctor’s job, so we will see if he makes it.

“Mesut still doesn’t feel too well. I will see in training.

“I haven’t decided who will start.

“It [the sickness bug] is giving us a little problem.”

Wenger admits his side will start as heavy favourites to progress and has once again defended his players on the back of their Bayern Munich humiliation.

“It is easy to assess the game,” he said, referring to the 10-2 aggregate scoreline.

“We watched it and analysed it.

“As long as it was 11 vs 11, we produced a top level performance.

“After that, it became impossible when [Laurent] Koscielny was sent off.

“When you have a disappointment, the next game is always important.

“We are favourites but we are favourites 90 percent of the time.

“There is a pressure there.”