While the last few minutes of the last game Arsenal played were massive for the Gunners and our chances of yet another top four finish as a late own goal by Huth gave us a vital win over Leicester City, they may also have dealt those hopes a massive blow, as our best centre back Laurent Koscielny picked up a knee injury that could rule him out of the north London derby, reports The Mirror.
Arsene Wenger has issued a reasonably optimistic update on the France international via the Arsenal website and whether he will be fit enough to start against Tottenham at White Hart Lane, suggesting that the odds are in favour of Koscielny passing a late fitness test and playing, but not by very much.
The boss said, “The uncertainty we have at the moment is about Laurent Koscielny. The news yesterday was quite positive so I hope he has a chance of being available.
“60/40 – 60 that he plays.
“Yes. I can still do that if I decide to go to a back three [without Koscielny].”
However, the manager also revealed that Shkodran Mustafi will not be fit for about two weeks, so who would he play in that back three? Holding, Gabriel and Monreal probably but are either of them experienced or commanding enough to run that system against the likes of Kane, Alli and Erikssen?
I have my doubts personally, so would Arsenal return to a back four if Koscielny can’t play, with Holding on the left and Gabriel on the right side of a central pairing? I’m sure we will all be hoping that the French defender is going to line up against the spuds, but if not how do you think Arsenal will cope?
Bob.