How will Arsenal cope without Koscielny for Tottenham clash?

While the last few minutes of the last game Arsenal played were massive for the Gunners and our chances of yet another top four finish as a late own goal by Huth gave us a vital win over Leicester City, they may also have dealt those hopes a massive blow, as our best centre back Laurent Koscielny picked up a knee injury that could rule him out of the north London derby, reports The Mirror.

Arsene Wenger has issued a reasonably optimistic update on the France international via the Arsenal website and whether he will be fit enough to start against Tottenham at White Hart Lane, suggesting that the odds are in favour of Koscielny passing a late fitness test and playing, but not by very much.

The boss said, “The uncertainty we have at the moment is about Laurent Koscielny. The news yesterday was quite positive so I hope he has a chance of being available.

“60/40 – 60 that he plays.

“Yes. I can still do that if I decide to go to a back three [without Koscielny].”

However, the manager also revealed that Shkodran Mustafi will not be fit for about two weeks, so who would he play in that back three? Holding, Gabriel and Monreal probably but are either of them experienced or commanding enough to run that system against the likes of Kane, Alli and Erikssen?

I have my doubts personally, so would Arsenal return to a back four if Koscielny can’t play, with Holding on the left and Gabriel on the right side of a central pairing? I’m sure we will all be hoping that the French defender is going to line up against the spuds, but if not how do you think Arsenal will cope?

Bob.

8 Comments

  1. Depends on how much faith thee boss has in Holding, could he be good enough to be the central one?

    If so then I will not be surprised to see a back 3 of that the OP said, Monreal may surprise us all and do well in that spot, I don’t think he is a great player any more but he has his good games still and this could be one of them.

    We all know Ramsey will get the nod to play otherwise, out of position is nothing new to him XD

  2. Embark to 4-2-3-1 formation if the boss is not fit…..cech……. bulletin,gabriel,holding,monreal…….xhaka,elneny…….ox,ozil,sanchez……welback or Walcott

  3. Why can’t we use Per Mertesacker as Central Defender in 3 man defence??? We cannot overlook that he was one of Main CB along with Koscielny…. And playing into central role he need have to be quick and he is too good for his positioning… I think we should go for Gabriel on Right, Mertesacker in central and Holding on Left…. We also know that his game reading is amazing….

    1. The boss knows Mertesacker is past it…thats why he doesn’t play him anymore…which begs the question why exactly did he offer him a contract extension on his current 80k a week deal? Another clear instance where Wengers poor judgment is costing the club both on the pitch and financially. Looks like the stingy one is actually very wasteful.

      1. Metersecker was past it when he arrived. Without Koz we will get mullered today. Heart and desire are all well and good but a brave poodle will still get its arse kicked by a pit bull. Today will finally show ALL Arsenal fans how far we are behind the spuds…it ain’t gonna be pretty….

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