Wenger - Ramsey progress is encouraging

By Chris Harris

Aaron Ramsey is closing on a first-team comeback but Arsène Wenger will not take any chances with the Wales midfielder's fitness following his long lay-off.

The 20-year-old was sidelined for eight months after breaking his leg at Stoke City last February but has made steady progress since returning in a Reserve League match in mid-November.

Ramsey went on loan to Nottingham Forest and, though frustrated by three postponements, completed 90 minutes for the Championship side on January 3. Five days later he was back in Wenger's squad for the FA Cup tie with Leeds but is still waiting to step onto the pitch in an Arsenal shirt.

"[He will play] when he is match fit," Wenger told Arsenal.com.

"He is getting better and better every day so we have to be a bit patient. And worst, he will have to be a bit patient. He has been out for nine months, the most important thing now is not to have any new injuries or setbacks while he is recovering.

“His progress is encouraging but it’s very difficult to say when I will play him.

"He had a setback because he did not have the number of games we expected him to get at Nottingham Forest. It was a very troubled period with a lot of snow and missing games and training. Now he looks better and better every day."