Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny has fallen foul of injury whilst on international duty with Egypt this week.
The midfielder was due to play in tonight’s crunch quarter-final match against Morocco this evening, but was ruled out with a calf injury.
The extent of the injury is still unconfirmed, but with Granit Xhaka currently banned from action and proving to be ill-disciplined, Santi Cazorla without a foreseeable return date from injury, Jack Wilshere on loan until the end of the season, as well as the Egyptian’s possible extended absence, the Frenchman may well have consider his options.
One player who may well have brought the need for a central addition down however is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The former Southampton youth product put in a thoroughly impressive and creative display in place of Aaron Ramsey at the base of midfield against his former side this weekend, and may well have staked a claim for an extended run in the side.
Arsene Wenger has regularly overlooked the Ox for a first-team role however, having regularly impressed in cup and European competitions, only to fail to live up to those performances in the Premier League.
Arsenal will have one more match to play on Tuesday before the transfer window closes, but there will be little to no time to assess the Ox should he be given the nod against Watford, as the window closes around an hour and a half later.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles also did well in the centre against Southampton, but his lack of experience could prove a problem in what could prove to be the toughest top six battle in Premier League history.
Do we have enough options in the squad to cover without Santi Cazorla, Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka?
Pat J