• Premier League

Arsenal handed Podolski boost

ESPN staff
December 20, 2013
Robson worried about Arsenal form

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski is fit to play against Chelsea on Monday, according to The Times.

Podolski, 28, has not featured for the Gunners since sustaining a hamstring injury in the 2-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce in August.

The Germany international has recently returned to training and could be at manager Arsene Wenger's disposal for the key game against Chelsea, who trail the league-leading Gunners by two points.

Podolski's reported availability will be a boost to Wenger, who learnt on Thursday that he will be without midfielder Jack Wilshere for two games following a gesture he made to opposition fans during the 6-3 loss at Manchester City.

While Podolski is unlikely to start against the Blues, he should help to relieve the reliance on striker Olivier Giroud, who has started 15 Premier League games this season.

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