Team News: Left-Back Crisis Continues As Duo Remain A Doubt For Sporting Clash

By The Editor
on 24th October 2018

Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac are both nursing hamstring issues…

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Arsenal’s left-back duo Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal are both still being assessed for their hamstring problems after they both missed Monday’s 3-1 win against Leicester City, the club has confirmed.

It was a surprise to the club’s two senior left-backs both out of the squad when the team sheet was released, given that there was no previous indication of an issue.

It became apparent that both may have suffered hamstring strains in training and given our busy schedule, Unai Emery and the medical department took no chances.

Stephan Lichsteiner filled in against Leicester City and was eventually replaced in that role by Granit Xhaka, who looked very comfortable there and kept out momentum going in terms of keeping possession.

Another potential option for the left-back role, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is in full training after recovering from a leg fracture, though he’s yet to be deemed fully fit.

It means Emery may be forced to play Xhaka once again in an unfamiliar role as we look to secure our place at the top of our Europa League group.

Hopefully, we can get one of our specialist left-backs back for the Premier League game at Crystal Palace on Sunday.