We do not know for sure yet, but there is a good chance that Arsenal may have to do without one of the German World Cup winners Mesut Ozil for the Premier League clash with Man City on Saturday, as he missed both of the recent internationals with an ankle problem.
If so, the obvious replacement is Santi Cazorla, who has been playing on the left. So with Danny Welbeck likely to start in the middle and Alexis Sanchez on the right, there are two stand out contenders for that left forward role. And both Lukas Podolski and Joel Campbell are really pushing for that starting place, for slightly differing reasons.
Joel Campbell is trying to establish himself in the Gunners team this season, after the 22-year old impressed with Costa Rica in Brazil and during his recent loan spells away from Arsenal, as he explains in an Evening Standard report.
Campbell said, “I am my biggest competitor — I have to train hard and get better day after day. Being here is a great opportunity for me.
“I feel that I can contribute with speed, goals and dribbling skills. I am capable of playing either on the right or left flanks or in the middle.
““It’s down to the manager to decide which of those three positions I am needed most in. I just have to do my best anywhere I play.”
Realistically, on Saturday at least, he is up against Podolski for that left forward role, but the German is also really keen to have a good season for Arsenal as he is desperate to continue his international career with Germany, as a Sky Sports report explains. The 29-year old striker is targeting another trophy at Euro 2016 but he knows that he needs to be performing at club level in order to stay in Joachim Low’s team.
Podolski said, “I’m still as hungry as ever. My next big goal is the European Championship.
“I still enjoy playing for Germany and it’s a pleasure to be part of it all.
“I don’t need to be afraid of anybody in the national team. And I’m not here just because I’m the joker Podolski who raises everybody’s spirits.
“I’m here because I deserve to be here. I’m part of this team and I will get my games.”
So which of the Gunners will Arsene Wenger go for on Saturday? As Harry Hill would say, there’s only one way to find out…..Fight!