Arsenal Pair Could Miss World Cup - Why England Will Be Sweating Over Their Fitness

With the World Cup just around the corner, many players from around Europe will be hoping that what they've achieved in the season will be enough for them to earn a place in the squad for Brazil. It's never easy knowing when you've done enough to earn a place on your national team. As they say, you are your own worst critic. Those players that have experienced injuries this season will be the ones that are most uncertain of a place. Unfortunately for England, they will have a number of stars in this position.

According to Arsene Wenger, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are still not back in training yet with their final three games coming up quickly. They'll definitely miss the weekend's fixture against West Brom, which means both will have two games to prove their worthy. Kieran Gibbs is back in training but will not be available for Sunday's game. TheSportReview have reported.

Although Kieran Gibbs is far down the list of options, he is still an Englishman at a big club so he does have a chance if Roy Hodgson wants him. Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would certainly be on the plane to Brazil had they'd stayed fit for most of the season. 

However, with both of them currently out with quite serious injuries, Hodgson will have to make a late decision on these two and if they don't make the cut, England will lose two huge talents.

Jack Wilshere is young, hungry and passionate about the game. He combines the modern midfielder, which is full of flashy tricks, with a more traditional version that will always put his body on the line for whichever colours he puts on.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will bring a breath of fresh air to the team and will use his pace to devastating effect. He actually enjoys taking on players and creating chances. He's the type of player you'd hate to see late on in the game. As well as this, his key attribute is his versatility as Wenger has played him on the wing, in the centre of midfield and in the supporting role behind the striker. This strength will be of great benefit to his chances of making the squad.