Manchester United’s opponents on Wednesday night, Arsenal, are suffering something of an injury crisis and could be without six key players for the Red Devils’ visit.
The Gunners have recovered well after an autumnal blip and have won their three matches since the November break, scoring 13 goals in the process.
This has largely been down to the return of their talismanic Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard.
Football.London reports that the Gunners may be without some more key players though as they prepare to face the Red Devils.
Two players that will definitely miss the game are full backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
White suffered a serious knee injury and will be out of action for a few months until next year. Tomiyasu is in a similar situation as he is also recovering from a knee problem.
Arsenal have more potential struggles in the defence as one of their most outstanding defenders, Gabriel Magalhaes, had to be taken off during their 5-2 win over West Ham United at the weekend.
His health issue was related to something he picked up against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and he is rated as doubtful for the United game.
Summer signing, Riccardo Calafiori, is another defender who had to be withdrawn during the match with the Hammers at the weekend. Speaking on the potential issue, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta claimed, “well, he’s been dealing with little niggles in the last few weeks, obviously, he’s had a very serious knee injury and he’s doing really well but we have to manage his minutes. Today we have to do the same.”
Arsenal’s problems do not only exist in the defence and they might also have two key midfielders missing the crucial matchup with United.
Fellow new signing, Mikel Merino, picked up a knee injury in the Champions League and could not be included in the squad that faced West Ham.
Thomas Partey also suffered a muscular problem and had to be omitted from the weekend’s squad. It is touch and go whether he can be involved at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Whilst Arsenal still have a strong side to choose from, sitting second in the Premier League table, United will hope to secure a vital win, which would pull them within three points of the Gunners and give Amorim a massive boost of confidence as the festive period approaches.
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
