Arsenal are set to face Ostersunds in Sweden as Arsene Wenger might make slight changes to the team but is expected to field a strong starting-XI in the Europa League last-32 tie.
As Ostersunds await one of their biggest matches in their 21 year club history against Arsenal, unfortunately for the Swedish side, Arsene Wenger is set to field a strong starting-XI against them. There are a few injury concerns in the Arsenal team heading into this tie, but this will not do any harm against their Swedish opposition.
The biggest news in connection with Arsenal injuries is that Alexandre Lacazette is set to miss six weeks of action after undergoing minor surgery to his knee. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ineligible to play in the competition, Danny Welbeck is set to get a run at the striker’s role.
Aaron Ramsey, who missed the Tottenham clash over the weekend, is expected to sit out the Ostersunds tie as well, as Wenger won’t risk his involvement. Arsene Wenger is likely to start with Maitland-Niles and Granit Xhaka in central midfield.
Wenger could play Calum Chambers or Rob Holding in central defence as Arsenal do not play in the FA Cup at the weekend.
A strong expected starting-XI means, Arsene Wenger’s side will have Bellerin and Monreal at full backs, although the manager could also call upon Sead Kolasinac to replace Monreal to get some game time.
Koscielny is left out of the squad meaning Holding or Chambers could line up alongside Mustafi. Arsene Wenger could as well start with both Holding and Chambers, but given the importance of the tie, Mustafi is certain to start.
Granit Xhaka and Maitland-Niles are the expected central midfield pairing Arsene Wenger would like to start with against Ostersunds given Aaron Ramsey’s recent setback and Jack Wilshere not travelling with the squad at all.
In attack, Alex Iwobi is set to get a run as part of the attacking midfield trio consisting of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil. Danny Welbeck will undoubtedly start in the striking role give Lacazette’s recent injury and Aubameyang’s ineligibility.
