Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil rested for Arsenal’s Europa League opening match against Cologne
Midfield duo both given time off as Arsene Wenger prepares to make changes with the trip to Chelsea on Sunday high in his thoughts
AARON RAMSEY and Mesut Ozil have been rested for Arsenal's Europa League clash with Cologne.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has given his midfield duo the night off with thoughts of the weekend trip to Chelsea high in his mind.
Arsenal play in Europe's second tier competition for the first time under Wenger this week, eager to avoid the problems experienced by other sides playing Thursdays and Sundays.
And Wenger says the recent international demands of Ramsey and Ozil mean they need to put their feet up when Cologne visit the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
Wenger said: "On the injury front we have no big problems.
"We have been monitoring the squad to see how players have had to work over the international break, so Ozil and Ramsey are rested completely."
Wenger insists he will not allow the fear of playing Thursdays and Sundays in the Europe League start to cause problems among his players.
He added: "Wednesday night or Thursday night is no different for us.
Latest Arsenal news
"Wednesday-Saturday should be no different to Thursday-Sunday.
"It is a good opportunity to show we can play Thursday and then Sunday.
"You cannot get caught in your mind pre-conceived ideas. In three days you can recover."
With Ozil and Ramsey missing out, Wenger is making big changes in his midfield - which could see Jack Wilshire given his first start of the season.
Wilshire has not played since breaking his leg while on loan at Bournemouth last season, but has been working hard in training and is pushing for a recall.
But Wenger has refused to give up any more information as to what his team plans will be.
He said: "He needs to continue with the spirit he works. There was always a huge pressure on him to come back as quickly possible and expect a lot.
"If you can combine the two, focus on the job, he is in a good line in training, is getting stronger every day.
"This season is a good opportunity for him. I don’t give the team out today though."
More follows...