Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey fate seems out of his hands

Aaron Ramsey is enjoying his best season at Arsenal since the breakthrough 2013/14 campaign. But his fate seems to be out of his hands: He is dependent on staying fit, something that he himself has little control over.

Aaron Ramsey is beginning to find his best form again at the heart of the Arsenal midfield. Playing in a free, marauding central role, with the license to make those runs from deep that he times with such wonderful precision, Ramsey has added an attacking incision to the Gunners’ midfield that aids the interchangeable movement of the front three.

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And the stats support what he provides. So far this season, Ramsey has scored three goals and assisted six. Only Alexandre Lacazette has had a direct hand in as many league goals as Ramsey this season (eight goals and one assist).

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When asked about his recent uptick in form, Ramsey pointed out that his body is allowing him to cope with the physical challenges that Premier League offers. Speaking to the London Evening Standard, the Welshman reiterated his self-confidence, hoping that his recent building up of match fitness can continue for a long time:

"“I know what I’m capable of doing, I just want to stay fit and healthy and let my football take care of itself. I’ve been putting everything out there and hopefully, it will continue. I have adapted my body to the load of playing in the Premier League and am building up that fitness gradually. I’ve felt really good so far and hopefully, that’ll continue for a long time now.”"

That is the crux of the issue for Ramsey: Dealing with injuries. It always has been. His talented has rarely been questioned, even during stretches of destitute form, his confidence scrapped, his risk-taking, audacious play reduced to fancy flicks that frustrate more than they flutter.

Ramsey is a bombarding, surging, driving central midfielder. He has proved that yet again this season. There is an argument to be made that he has been Arsenal’s best player up until this point. And yet, all of his progress seems to be hanging in the balance, utterly out of his own control, waiting for that one rash challenge, that one plant and twist of the knee, that one twinge of the hamstring.

Ramsey’s development has been decimated by injuries. And injuries, while preventable, are rarely because of the individual. Although some bodies are more prone to physical ailments, for the most part, it is down to luck. Ramsey does not get to decide whether an opponent clatters him with a bad challenge.

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His fate seems out of his hands. He is dependent on his fitness, and that feels like it is something that he has little control over. Hopefully, as he himself states, Ramsey can remain fit for the near, and extended, future. I guess we’ll just have to all cross our fingers and hope for the best.