Arsene Wenger still has a few options open to him from the Arsenal squad in the central midfield area, but after the French defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin picked up an injury which has been revealed to be an ankle ligament problem, the boss has a dilemma to consider ahead of the Community Shield clash this weekend.
I expect Granit Xhaka to be in the starting line-up and I would like to see Aaron Ramsey get the nod ahead of Mohamed Elneny alongside him, but against Chelsea I wonder if this central pairing might just be a bit too open and we could play into the hands of Chelsea and their fast and dangerous counter attacking style.
The Wales international has looked pretty sharp in pre-season but he is not the fastest player or the strongest in a tackle and so perhaps the engine, legs and more defensive style of the Egyptian could be more useful against Antonio Conte’s Blues.
If Wenger does go with Ramsey it would put more onus on Xhaka to do the dirty work and as we have seen he can pick up cards as though it is his birthday and the last thing Arsenal need is to lose a player. How do you think Arsenal will set up against Chelsea without Coquelin?
Bob.