Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, says he has had no offers for forward Lukas Podolski.
The Germany international came on for Yaya Sanogo in the closing ten minutes at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday as Arsenal defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to advance from the group stages of the Uefa Champions League.
Podolski, 29, recently told German publishers Bild that he “do not like the situation” at the north London club, as he has struggled for first-team opportunities this season. The former Bayern Munich player has been linked with a move back to the Bundesliga, with VFB Wolfsburg and Schalke 04 among the names mentioned in recent weeks.
Lukas Podolski Wants His Situation at Arsenal to Change. Image: Getty.
“I have had no enquiries from anybody,” said Wenger, 65. “He (Podolski) faces big competition. He has an outstanding attitude and he works very hard.”
Frenchman Sanogo is doubtful for the trip to West Brom after suffering a “cramp” in the win over Dortmund in the midweek. Wenger will wait on the prognosis on Danny Welbeck before deciding whether to include him for the trip to the midland.
Forward Theo Walcott will miss the game at the Hawthorns and Wednesday’s meeting with Southampton with an inflamed groin sustained while on international duty with England.
“Theo is not okay for the weekend, he has an inflamed groin coming back from England and has not been available since. He will not be available for this game, nor Wednesday,” the French boss hinted.
Midfielder Mikel Arteta suffered a “small grade calf problem” in the second half of the win over Dortmund and could be out for a minimum of “two to three weeks”.
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Wenger gave some good news on defender Laurient Koscienly, saying: “He is well. If I want him to start, he will start.”
Jack Wilshere is out for the next three months with an ankle injury suffered during last Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Manchester United.
Wenger is confident the England international will fulfill his potentials in spite of his record on injuries.
“He’s prepared and focused on coming back to finish the season well,” the manager said. “I think he will be back at the end of February, beginning of March and he will focus on coming back to rehab, having a strong rehab, and then I’m sure he will help us to do well until the end of the season.
“He always comes out stronger and when I spoke to him, the final sprint of the season is already in his mind. He’s a very strong boy.
“If he has no problem with his joints, he will make a massive career. I was more worried one year ago than I am today because he had two or three surgeries on his right ankle. At some stage, you could raise that question but today I am much more confident that he will.”
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