Aaron Ramsey hoping Arsenal injury woes are at an end as he welcomes return of back three

AFP/Getty Images
James Benge13 July 2017

Aaron Ramsey’s only target heading into the new season is to bring an end to the injury problems that have plagued him over recent years at Arsenal.

The Welsh midfielder has only featured in 30 Premier League games in one of the last four seasons and has seen the momentum from his breakout run of form at the start of the 2013-14 campaign checked by a string of injuries.

In particular the 26-year-old has suffered a string of muscular injuries in his hamstrings and thighs.

However his problems seemed to ease in the final months of last season as well, featuring in the final 10 league games and playing a crucial part in Arsenal’s FA Cup win, scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

For now though Ramsey’s focus is solely on ensuring his availability throughout the new campaign, telling reporters: “I haven’t set any goals but with this new formation a long season, hopefully an injury-free season.

“I know what I am capable of doing. If I can stay fit then hopefully it will take care of itself, but no targets, no.

“I have to perform to the best of my ability to be in this team and that’s what I do - I give my everything every time I’m in the team or going out to train.”

Ramsey struck up an increasingly impressive understanding with Granit Xhaka when Arsene Wenger switched to a 3-4-2-1 in a bid to bring an end to a disastrous run of form without precedence during his two decades at Arsenal.

The formation was a success and Wenger has confirmed he will begin the new Premier League season with a back three.

Having also impressed for Wales when playing in a midfield two ahead of three centre-backs, Ramsey is convinced the formation will work for him.

“The system suited a lot of players,” said Ramsey. “It gives us a platform to build from.

“I felt good in that formation - it freed me up to get forward a lot more and get into some dangerous positions so I really thought it worked for us towards the end of the season.”

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