Arsenal are expected to be hit severely by the possible absence of Alexis Sanchez and Laurent Koscielny, both of whom are doubtful for the visit of Sunderland.
After securing three wins in three over the past couple of weeks, Arsenal have fought their way back to contention for an unlikely top four place and a large part of that credit goes to Arsene Wenger’s tactical change and of-course Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean has been their star player all season but could be a sore miss when Sunderland come visiting to the Emirates on Tuesday. Sanchez took a knock to the thigh during the Gunners’ 4-1 victory at Stoke over the weekend and had to subbed off.
Arsenal have a potentially massive tie against Everton on the final day of the season. Hence, Wenger would need the services of Sanchez on the day but the result will be deemed inconsequential if his side fail to take all three points against Sunderland.
Laurent Koscielny though, is expected to miss after suffering the recurrence of a calf-problem. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain too, is ruled out due to his hamstring injury.
On the other hand, relegated Sunderland also suffer from injury worries in the form of Jason Denayer and Victor Anichebe, both of whom are doubts with respective thigh and hamstring problems. George Honeyman is also struggling to shake off a back injury and is unlikely to be involved in the match day squad.
After a weekend defeat against Swansea that left Alan Shearer describing the performance as “pathetic and disgraceful”, Sunderland will look to leave the Premier League with some respectability with a spirited showing at Emirates.
Speaking about his side’s top four hopes and his own future Wenger said,” I believe finishing outside the top four will not have any influence on the way the club will be led and how we will behave in the transfer market.”
“It will be frustrating if we don’t get in. I still think we just have to give our best to get to 75 points and if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. At least we have done our job well to the end.”
