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Aug 20, 2016 at 5.30pm UK
 
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Arsene Wenger 'may gamble' on fitness of star trio

Arsene Wenger 'may take a gamble' on bringing Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil back early from their breaks, as Arsenal aim to return to winning ways.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is considering rushing back a few members of his squad for this weekend's trip to face champions Leicester City.

The Gunners were without Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud for their opening-game defeat to Liverpool last Sunday, while midfielder Aaron Ramsey also hobbled off.

Wenger does not expect to have Ramsey back before next month's international break, but the Frenchman could now throw Koscielny, Ozil and Giroud back into contention ahead of schedule as Arsenal aim to bounce back to winning ways at the King Power Stadium.

"Maybe I will take a gamble on bringing them back early but I have 48 hours to decide," he told reporters at Thursday morning's press conference.

Defeat to Liverpool only strengthened fans' frustrations over a lack of summer signings, although Wenger has again insisted that he is not afraid to spend money should the right player become available.

"We are not scared to spend money but to buy in itself is not a quality - to buy good players is," he added. "This club has been built on that.

"The transfer policy we have had here has helped build the club. I know we haven't done as much as many people but we are out there. I have made 400 transfers in my life and I know every one has a rhythm that you are not the only one to decide on.

"It's better for me not to speak about any player. But I would like to reassure you that we are not afraid to spend the money we have and we are working very hard."

Arsenal have so far brought in just one big-profile signing this summer - £30m midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach.

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