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