Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal FC will host Greek side Olympiakos tonight at the Emirates stadium in the second match of Champions League group stage and the manager has given updates on his players ahead of the clash.
French striker Olivier Giroud is unavailable for the clash following his red card for two bookable offences in the first half of the tie against Dinamo Zagreb. On the other hand, Brazilian defender Gabriel, who was suspended for the Gunners’ clash against Leciester City on Saturday, is now available for selection. The 24-year-old was suspended for one game by the FA for not leaving the pitch immediately after his wrongful dismissal in the heated clash against Chelsea FC.
Arsene Wenger’s midfield injury problems mount up as Mathieu Flamini remains unavailable for tonight’s clash after being withdrawn in the game against Leicester with a hamstring problem. Club captain Mikel Arteta is also struggling with muscular problems and it remains to be seen who will partner Santi Cazorla in the middle of the park.
Flamini and Arteta have slight muscular problems
The Gunners have been boosted with the return of Francis Coquelin in training, however, the Frenchman will probably start the game on the bench as Arsene Wenger is unlikely to risk his prized asset ahead of this weekend’s crunch clash against Manchester United.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Wenger revealed that Coquelin returned to training on Sunday, while also insisting that Arteta and Flamini’s injuries are not serious. The Frenchman was quoted by the club’s official website saying: “He [Coquelin] has been back since yesterday and I will have to see how he responds to two days of training, but he looks alright.”
The Frenchman also threw some light on the injuries to Flamini and Arteta.
“Both have slight muscular problems, but I think Flamini has a scan today and Arteta certainly as well.
“No, they are not big injuries. It is a question of days.”
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