Even yesterday, Le Prof was coy on the defender’s injury ahead of the Southampton game. He said: “The only one out at the moment is Mustafi. He is certainly not available for Sunday. There’s a little chance of him coming back for West Ham, but he will not be available for Sunday.”
So we are not sure what’s wrong with him but we do know we will need to pick another player for the back three this week. There are quite a few possibilities at the moment as we have hardly any other injuries. Matthieu Debuchy played well in midweek and looks back to his best. Wenger has used him as a central defender in previous years and he has not looked out of place. Rob Holding also played against BATE and had very little to do in that game. Calum Chambers also continued on his road to match fitness that night and could now be ready for first team duty.
Per Mertesacker was not even on the subs bench for that game, and it is possible that Wenger had decided to save him for Sunday’s game, although an ageing trio of him, Koscielny and Monreal may not be able to cope with the pace of Charlie Austin in the Saint’s forward line.
Le Prof recently used Francis Coquelin in that role as well, so there is another possibility. Who would you choose?
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The doctors and Wenger don’t know what’s wrong with Mustafi because he is FAKING his injury. Oh well, if we have gone back to 4-3-3 as per the BATE Borisov game then Monreal will easily replace him. If we still are playing 3 at the back then Per will do.
Then who will replace Monreal? lol
It certainly looked that way, didn’t it? After he gave the ball away that led to the 2nd United goal, he took himself out of the game either of shame or something else. Mustafi certainly possesses all the qualities of a good defender but I just feel he isn’t consistent enough, but what’s more importantly he’s not committed enough. Personally, I think we should sell him in the summer, and get a decent replacement.
Not Coquelin ?
4-3-2-1
Mustafi should be replaced by one new CB in January transfer window! Somebody with experience and great skill. Arsenal have money to do that. Everything else is sh..t.
After perfomace against ManUtd I would bench Kos and him for at least two games… and have a serious talk with Mustafi about his “injury”.
I think our whole defence should be replaced once for good, and so called midfield with Xaka and Ramsey, too.
…and a manager of course 🙂
What a nonsense conspiracy that some put forward about Mustafi “faking his injury”. Anyone who seriously thinks that probably believes that Elvis is still alive AND that Lord Lucan will be found , living in Venezuala probably. I mean , get real you low IQ types! Also i do not accept that he is yet definitely out of the Saints game. I prefer to wait and see. If he is out then it is Merts for me. I have little faith in either Holding or Chambers, and Debuchy, like Monreal, is not a CB.
Why should Mustafi be any different to others who’ve scampered off after looking completely foolish. We don’t know for sure but you seem to think that you do, a mans pride can be a stubborn thing, just ask the woman.
Players fake injuries. Just like they dive in the box to get a PK. It’s happened in the past, and it’s happening now too.
Charlie Austin is a decent finisher and strong in the air but he isn’t quick. Similar pace to Giroud. I would go with either Chambers or Holding if Mustafi isnt fit.
I’d go with Mert. He’s slower but a lot more experienced than Holding or Chambers.
Did he received some money before the game from Maurinho?? lol
Chambers for me this game. And I would also sell Mustafi and bring in Zouma (and Sarr)