Arsene Wenger has revealed the latest on his Arsenal squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League decider on Sunday.
The Gunners will welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium at the weekend as we look to secure a place in next season’s Champions League competition.
We will need Liverpool to not win, or Manchester City to lose to have any chance of climbing into the top four, and we may to do so without some key players.
Laurent Koscielny will undergo a tests on his fitness today and on Saturday, with the hope that our stand-in skipper will be able to lead our defence for the important outing.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the only player confirmed as unavailable for the upcoming match, although we are well aware that Santi Cazorla is still sidelined as he has been since 2016. Aaron Ramsey on the other hand will be available after a scare.
Wenger said; “Chamberlain is not back and we have uncertainty over Koscielny. Tests today and tomorrow.
“Ramsey is alright.”
Chamberlain is enjoying what is easily his best season at the club, but his absence will not come as a blow, with Hector Bellerin flourishing in his new wing-back role in his absence. The Ox has also been done well as a central midfielder this term, but Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey are also proving their worth in central roles now, and will almost certainly line up alongside each other on Sunday.
Koscielny would be a big blow were he not to make the tie, although our defence has managed without him of late, but in such a crucial tie, you most definitely want your strongest XI.
Could Laurent’s absence cost us a win on Sunday? Would the Ox have played on Sunday if he were fit?
Pat J