Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he has five possible doubts for the weekend’s Arsenal-Tottenham match-up.
The Gunners play host to rivals Tottenham this weekend in the North London Derby, and both managers have question marks over the availability of some key players.
We are already without the likes of Lucas Perez, Per Mertesacker, Chuba Akpom and Danny Welbeck for at least one more month, but now have up to five doubts for the crucial clash this weekend.
Hector Bellerin, Nacho Monreal, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla are all in a race to be fit having not been available against Ludogorets in midweek, while Kieran Gibbs hurt his shoulder in the second-half on Tuesday, and has now joined the list.
From the interviews, Hector Bellerin looks near-certain to be able to start the match, while Theo Walcott appears most likely to be available from the remainder, although, all are ‘uncertainties’ according to Wenger.
On the Spanish defender, he said: “I left Hector Bellerin behind in midweek because I was cautious with him. I think he should be alright.”
One plus is that Spurs have their own issues to worry about, with Harry Kane, Toby Alderweireld and Moussa Dembele doubtful to feature on Sunday. Moussa Sissoko is already banned for the match, having been punished for an elbow in the draw against Bournemouth.
Tottenham come into the game in horrific form, having gone over a month without a win in all competitions, and will certainly not be looking forward to coming to the Emirates this weekend, especially as we are looking near-unbeatable in recent weeks.
Could a returning Kane give them hope of a win against us? Would it be the end of the world if we had to field Jenkinson or Bellerin on the left of our defence?
Pat J
In case everyone is fit. My choice
Cech
Bel Mus Kos Nacho
Coq Caz
Wal Ozil Iwobi/Ox
Sanchez
Bench : Ospina, Gibbs, Gabriel, Ramsey, OG, Iwobi/Ox
Is Xhaka still banned? ?
I wouldn’t mind Gibbs playing at LB on Sunday, Monreal may struggle for pace against the spuds.
Fat boy youve been away for a while. Did you join the gym haha joke. Xhaxa is back but so does wenger son Ramsey
I know a lad that must weigh 8, 9 stone at most, but he’s called Fatboy. I know another who’s one of those lads that wears way too much cologne, everyone calls him fart.
With the exception of Cazorla they’ll all come back so nothing to worry about. The United game is far more important for wenger and the team’s psyche, remember last year? we need to take revenge on those pups.
Deniss reduce the adult stuff you inhale. Spuds is a must win.no matter. Maureen and his legion is a week later
Also there’s the fact we’re at home. Title winners are usually good away from home, then an excellent home record to boast. You can draw away at big teams then tell yourself, ah sure it’s a hard place to go. But when you’re at home your team is supposed to be the hard place to go.
My only worry is if Carzola does not play. Otherwise we`ve enough effective bench-strength for the other positions.
Bellerin is big too, one costly error could blow things up in our face so I’d ideally want first teamers as much as possible. Walcott has gotten some very important goals and out of that bunch his performances stand out. Cazorla is always gonna stand out esp when missing. Monreal we need last seasons version, the best in the league, where did it go wrong.
I think we’ll have at least one of our left backs available this weekend. Gibbs finished the game so no broken bones and Monreal I believe was just taken out of the firing line for a bit, I can’t be certain but I reckon one will be ready. If down the road we do end up with no fullbacks I think Mustafi could move out there with Holding coming into the side, or else Holding moving out, it’s not ideal but looking at those two willingness to get forward and make forward passes I think they’d do ok. Niles is an option, these are all predominantly right footed but I want Koscielny to always stay where he is. There might be a left footer in the academy who looks close to first team someone else would have to enlighten me. Coquelin was a good option for this at one time, he was actually better at full back than his natural position back then.
relax Monreal,Bellerin,Walcott,Cazorla were just being rested, they ll all be fit and ready to dismantle spurs