Welbeck could miss the next six games
Forward Danny Welbeck has suffered another injury setback, at least the seventh of his Arsenal career so far. The England international had impressed this season so far but limped off in the 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday. Early scans indicate it is a suspected groin injury which could keep him sidelined for a month. During that time Arsenal play six fixtures including the game at home to West Brom on Monday. Welbeck is due to have another scan in the coming days to discover the extent of the injury and confirm if the early prognosis is correct.
Wenger explains Lacazette situation
Fans could be forgiven for being confused after the shortened game time afforded to record signing Alexandre Lacazette. The £52 million summer signing started and scored on his league debut against Leicester but has since been on the bench. The French international was also only given just over an hour in the game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and so Arsene Wenger tried to explain the situation.
“I felt Lacazette had a very good first half, he worked hard for the team and was very disciplined. It takes him some time to maintain that intensity for 90 minutes. Don’t forget I have Walcott, Giroud and Sanchez on the bench. After 65 minutes in a game of that intensity it’s normal that you bring fresh legs on. Does he understand that? I never ask any striker to understand that he has to make room for someone else. You never can do that.”
Changes for cup tie with Doncaster
Arsenal are expected to name a completely different starting XI for the cup tie against Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday evening. The lineup is more likely to reflect the team which started the game against Koln in the Europa League tie than the side which dug in for the draw with Chelsea. David Ospina is expected to start in goal against the League 1 side and Rob Holding should be in defence in front of him. Theo Walcot, Oliver Giroud and Reiss Nelson could all be given a start in attack in an attempt to maintain match sharpness ahead of the long season.
Oxlade-Chambers move ‘a relief’ according to new manager
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has described Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s summer switch from Arsenal to Liverpool as a relief for the player as a new start can be good for his development. He believes that being able to play in a number of different positions in the Premier League is a sought-after quality in a player.
“We play different to Arsenal, that’s clear. It doesn’t mean we play better or worse, just different. Being involved in different football is good for development because it helps you react in different moments. Arsenal changed a lot since Arsene is there. I’m sure they didn’t always play with three at the back and with wing backs and so Alex played in different positions when he was there. It’s the highest quality if you can play in different positions in the Premier League. That says a lot about you. A new start is very often a kind of relief.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s start at Liverpool has not been the best however as they experienced a heavy defeat and two home draws.
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