Arsenal have no Xhaka, Mkhitaryan or Aubameyang for tonight’s match at CSKA Moscow. It could be worse, and often has been for Arsenal in terms of injury problems for Arsene Wenger to contend with ahead of a big game for the Gunners. However, when you add in the unavailability of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the Europa League, any big player missing feels a bit worse, so Granit Xhaka coming down with the flu this week is hardly ideal.
We should not worry too much, though, because Arsenal’s lead from the first leg could mean that the more defensive and less adventurous Elneny will be a good man to have in front of the defence. Needing to not concede goals is clearly the focus but an away goal would almost kill the game so we are all hoping that Lacazette and all will carry enough threat and potency to get one.
Cech
Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal
Elneny, Wilshere, Ramsey
Welbeck, Ozil, Lacazette
Subs: Macey, Mertesacker, Kolasinac, Holding, Chambers, Nketiah, Iwobi.
So Wenger is going strong with his Arsenal team and hopefully it is going to be a good night for Arsenal in Russia.
Bob.