Wenger rues Ramsey injury despite cup cruise

Michael Graham
Aaron Ramsey: Limped off with thigh injury

Arsene Wenger says that the trio of injuries Arsenal picked up at Hull has left him “shocked”.

The Gunners took another step to successfully defending the FA Cup with a 4-0 fifth round replay win at the KC Stadium, but it came at what appears to be a heavy price.

Central defensive duo Per Mertesacker and Gabriel were both forced off, and Aaron Ramsey followed suit late in the game.

However, while Wenger says he is not too concerned about his defenders, he admits that Ramsey’s injury is a worry.

“It was a shock as we lost our two centre-backs in the game and then we lost Aaron Ramsey.

“Mertesacker is not serious, just a little concussion, and I think Gabriel looks all right but for Ramsey I am little bit more concerned.

“It’s a thigh injury, but apart from that we have played well.”

Arsenal will now face Watford at the Emirates on Sunday as they look to win the competition for the third straight season.

Wenger, though, is taking nothing for granted against the Hornets.

“They are a good side and it will be a very interesting tie,” he added. “We play at home on Sunday now so we have some days to prepare.

“Let’s see if we can recover one or two injuries and keep playing the way we played today.”