Arsenal are expected to shuffle their squad in preparation for Wednesday’s meeting with Manchester United.
Gunners manager Unai Emery has several big choices to make regarding his starting XI following an enthralling 4-2 win over Tottenham on Sunday.A double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Torreira dramatically sealed all three points at the Emirates, moving Arsenal up to fourth in the Premier League.
Emery’s side are now unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions, although Mesut Ozil is a doubt for when they look to continue that streak away at United.
The German playmaker was dropped to the bench against Bournemouth then missed the north London derby after suffering a back spasm in training and will be assessed closer to kick-off.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Monday, Emery said: “I said yesterday [Sunday] he’s had backache since last Tuesday.
“He couldn’t play in Kiev or yesterday. At the moment, I don’t know if he can play in Manchester.
“Today he was working alone, I don’t know if he’s okay for Wednesday.”
Ozil’s absence would be a blow, although the Gunners did not seem to miss the 30-year-old as they came from behind to run riot against Spurs.
Emery initially set his side up in a 3-4-2-1 formation but switched things around at half-time, introducing Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette.
The Spaniard is likely to continue with two strikers up front against United, particularly with Jose Mourinho’s side suffering an injury crisis in defence.
Grant Xhaka is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season so Matteo Guendouzi is expected to replace the Swiss international alongside Lucas Torreira.
Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are both expected to drop out of the starting XI while Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Rob Holding should continue as a back three.
Nacho Monreal is still doubtful due to a hamstring problem which has been hampering the Spaniard since early October.
Sead Kolasinac should continue at left wing-back in Monreal’s absence while Laurent Koscielny will be assessed closer to the match but is unlikely to be risked as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury.
