Mikel Arteta will forced to change after injury to key players, with Albert Sambi Lokonga set to feature for Arsenal against Aston Villa.
Arsenal will aim to make it five wins in five when they take on Aston Villa at the Emirates on Wednesday night. The Gunners sit on top of the charts in the Premier League, although after a relatively injury-free weeks since the season began, there are a few concerns now.
The main worry for Arsenal fans is the timing of these injuries, with essential fixtures coming up. Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko missed last weekend’s clash with Fulham after sustaining late injuries in the build-up to the game.
Partey’s case is particularly concerning as the Ghanaian midfielder suffered a familiar injury that has plagued him since joining Arsenal two years ago. Zinchenko is also unavailable after Arteta confirmed during his pre-match press conference, suggesting both player will not make it for the midweek clash.
When asked whether the duo will be able to make it to the Aston Villa clash, Arteta said, “I don’t think so. We still have to make another scan, especially on Thomas, to see the length, but I don’t think they will be available. It is a similar area [to the one that kept Party out last season], but hopefully not as bad.
Arsenal are waiting on scan results on a hamstring injury Elneny suffered during Saturday's game. Unclear at this stage how long he will be out. Zinchenko could be in contention for Villa, was very close to making it against Fulham. Initial prognosis for Partey is quite positive.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) August 30, 2022
To add to Arteta’s woes, Mohamed Elneny reportedly sustained a hamstring injury during the Fulham game, which is considered significant as the Egyptian midfielder is likely to miss many weeks of action. It could either spark Arsenal into making a quick move in the market or allow the manager to unleash Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The latter could be the case against Aston Villa, as Lokonga could play a significant role until one of Partey or Elneny return. The Belgian midfielder will likely partner Granit Xhaka in a double pivot, with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard playing an advanced role.
Meanwhile, Zinchenko will have sufficient cover in Kieran Tierney, although they will miss the Ukrainian international’s versatile qualities. The other defensive members are expected to remain the same, despite calls for Ben White to be played in midfield.
Arteta may also ponder rotating some members of his frontline, particularly given the upcoming Manchester United clash at the weekend. Eddie Nketiah’s performance against Fulham might have prompted the Arsenal manager to do so, although the changes may not come just yet following continuity with this group.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Lokinga, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
