It was a real bow for Arsenal, but just about typical of our terrible luck with injury problems in recent years, to see the January transfer window signing Gabriel limp out of action in the win over QPR last Wednesday. At least Per Mertesacker looked more like his old self when he replaced the Brazilian.
But the German and his partner in central defence Laurent Koscielny might well have a tougher task on their hands tonight against Manchester United. Arsenal will be aiming for a clean sheet, which should also mean a victory if our forwards are on song. That is why I think Arsene Wenger may swap his full backs on both sides of the pitch for tonight.
As you can see on the Arsenal website, Nacho Monreal went through a full training session yesterday and should be available again after his short spell on the sidelines. Both he and Calum Chambers have played at centre back this season and they more defensively minded than Kieran Gibbs and Hector Bellerin.
The Gunners may lose something going forwards, but with Gabriel out and us playing away at a ground where our record is terrible, surely it makes more sense to be solid at the back than adventurous down the flanks. Would you bring Chambers and Monreal back for tonight?
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