Shkodran Mustafi will likely miss Arsenal’s biggest match of the season.
During his pre-Watford press conference today, Mikel Arteta was asked if he thought the defender would be ready to play Chelsea in the FA Cup Final,
“I doubt it. We have to see how he evolves in the next few days, but I doubt it.”
Mustafi has taken quite a beating as of late, including spikes to the face in the Leicester City match. Now, this hamstring injury will probably keep him sidelined for the Gunners’ last two games.
Mustaif’s injury should create another opportunity for Rob Holding to line-up beside David Luiz on the back line. Sokratis would also be available, but the Greek defender has been playing second fiddle to Holding in search of game time as of late.
My guess is we’ll probably get a sneak preview of Arteta’s defensive plans for Chelsea when the Gunner line-up for Watford on Sunday. However, I think he will have the team switch on nd off between the 3-4-3 and 4-3-3 formations during the Watford match to keep Chelsea guessing.
In other Gunner news, both Ozil and Guendouzi are training, but will either see any action before the season ends on August 1st?
Personally, with our recent lack off midfield creativity, I would like to see Ozil back on the pitch, however, Mr. Guendouzi can remain in exile for the rest of the season before departing company with the club.
Cheers, and stay healthy and safe!
Gunner1953
18 years ago today, on May 7, 2006, Arsenal played their last match at Highbury. The Gunners defeated Wigan Athletic 4-2 on that day due to a hat-trick from Thierry Henry.
Nottingham Forest’s appeal to overturn a four point deduction for preaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules has failed.
The Standard reports Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres has refused to commit his future with the Portuguese club, as Arsenal’s interest looms for the player.
Bukayo Saka, “We are not getting frustrated, we see it as a challenge that we want to fight until the end. Man City has set a standard and it’s up to the rest of us to try to be better than them.”
