Arsenal vs. Cardiff Team News: Gunners Nurse a Growing Injury List.

Arsene Wenger will have to manage a lengthy injury list on New Year Day, when his side hosts managerless Cardiff City.

Olivier Giroud (ankle), Aaron Ramsey (thigh) and Mesut Ozil (shoulder) are all out of Wednesday’s return leg against the Welsh side.

Kieran Gibbs (calf) is also missing, while Theo Walcott (shoulder) Tomas Rosicky (calf) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) all face late fitness tests.

Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey Out for the Gunners. Picture: Getty Image.
Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey Out for the Gunners. Picture: Getty Image.

Former Cardiff player Ramsey scored a brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium in November with Mathieu Flamini adding the third.

Cardiff has struggled in their recent outings following the face-off between owner Vincent Tan and the ousted manager Malky Mackay- recording only one win in nine games.

The Bluebirds are without Craig Bellamy due to a knee problem, While Declan John is expected to continue in place of the injured left-back Andrew Taylor.

Aaron Gunnarsson and Peter Odemwingie are in contention for a place in the starting lineup.

This is the second time both clubs will meet on New Year Day. Arsenal won 3-2 at Highbury in an old Division One clash in 1927.