Arsene Wenger has revealed the latest Arsenal team news ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League home game against FC Schalke 04. The German’s arrive at the Emirates having taken 4 points from the opening two European games (against Montpellier and Olympiakos), with Arsenal top of the group on 6. A win tomorrow would really help to put us a step closer to qualifying top of the group only a few days after that appalling display against Norwich. However, given that we have conceded in each of our last 8 games I am not that confident of keeping Klaas Jan Huntelaar quiet.

In terms of players coming back into the squad I am afraid that there is only one – Laurent Koscielny. Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna and Emmanuel Frimpong all played on Monday for the U21′s against Everton, but Wenger does not want to risk playing them again only 48 hours later. Theo Walcott is out with the chest injury he sustained during the international break, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a new casualty with a hip injury picked up in an 8-minute cameo appearance in the loss at the weekend.

Theo Walcott (+ Wenger on his contract situation & interest from Juventus):

“They [contract negotiations] are going on but there is no news about that. The good news is that Theo had his first run today and is looking quite well so he should be back shortly.

“My determination has always been the same, to extend his contract. [Whether] other clubs are interested or not, the determination is the same.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain & Laurent Koscielny

“We lost Oxlade-Chamberlain, he will not be back. The only player who will be back in the squad, recovering, is Koscielny.”

Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna & Emmanuel Frimpong

“On Monday he had 90 minutes [for the under-21s against Everton], Sagna had 90 minutes, Frimpong had 90 minutes – we will see how they recover.

“But we are in a bit of a trap at the moment because he [Wilshere] needs to play full games and of course, 48 hours later is too dangerous to play someone – or even put him on the bench – who has not played for such a long time.”

In other news, Straight Talking Gooners would like to announce that we have updated the cover photo on our Facebook page. Now would be an appropriate time for all of our readers (especially those who want to be kept up-to-date with all the latest news about Arsenal FC) to flock to Facebook and like the page. We are currently pushing for 3,000 likes and any help would be much appreciated.