Arsenal’s medical team have confirmed that Laurent Koscielny and Stephan Lichtsteiner are both available for tomorrow’s North London derby.
Koscielny took studs to the knee in the closing stages of Wednesday’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth. He looked to be in serious pain as he received treatment but was able to continue, albeit with a limp.
Stephan Lichtsteiner, who missed the game with the Cherries due to minor back problem, is also fit. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is another consideration for the right-back slot should Carl Jenkinson return to his standard back-up role.
Aside from the three long-term absentees, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck, Unai Emery has a full squad to choose from heading into a busy week.
After Sp*rs we travel to France for our Europa League clash with Rennes and then take on Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday. It’s a season-defining week.
Lichts last few games have been decent, but I think I’d still want to go with jenks for his running
I hope we’ll see Jenks on the pitch, also because of the fact that it will be a tough game, and fans will be a lot more forgiving with Carl if he makes a few mistakes. Licht is always one mistake away from a storm of abuse. I think he will be useful resource in the next games and would prefer the fanbase to keep being positive about him after his recent good performances.
I hope we’ll see Jenks on the pitch, also because of the fact that it will be a tough game, and fans will be a lot more forgiving with Carl if he makes a few mistakes. Licht is always one mistake away from a storm of abuse. I think he will be a useful resource in the next games and would prefer the fanbase to keep being positive about him after his recent good performances.
Not good enough. Please no.
The fact that he is a ‘fan’ tend s to cloud people’s judgement.
Lost the ball way too many times last game, put defense under pressure three times of which twice Koscielny had to make massive tackles to save us.
Sure he puts in the effort but so can I.
He needs to be sold in the summer.
One start in the PL in god knows how many years is not enough to ready a player for a game as intense as a NLD.
Licht, as much as he worries us is the sane option to go by.
I would play The Corporal. He will run through walls for us against that lot. That’s what we need in a NLD.
Yotally agree this guy is a beast may be old but his experience is world class. If he is fit he must play just make sure Kolasanac is bench he will be a liabily loves going forward and cant defend
We need to kick them whilst they’re down. Title contenders my arse!
Plus it’s a defining week for them as well, with CL second leg midweek
We should always kick them regardless of the circumstances
Yes a big week coming up. I think four points from the next two league games would be a good result. Six points would be fantastic but probably unlikely. I know we all hate losing,especially to Spurz or Utd but a loss and a win is better than two draws points wise. At least we go into the games with some momentum after our recent results. Was at the game on Wednesday,very enjoyable exept for the one slip up.
It was a foul though, Guendouzi’s legs were taken from under him. More would have been said of it if if we hadn’t smashed them
These are six pointers, not three pointers.
Is it…. could it…. perhaps…. it’s all coming together for the run in? Starting Saturday. COYG.
Disclaimer: I’m talking about 4th, not the title 🙂 but would be amazing to knock them off their perch and have them outside the CL places come May 12th.
No team in the EPL score more points than Arsenal for the last ten (10) games for the past seven (7) years this is where we are dsngerous we will finish 3rd in the league
People want Ozil to show consistency then this is the time! He’s on a good run of form. START HIM! Ramsey (Great guy and servant for this club) has been on the bench and out of the fold for a bit, probably golfing and salivating at the high salary he’ll get at Juve like his chump Bale. Ozil is here and to stay it seems! Get him to his ting. If he messes up, criticize him but at least let him try! Come on gaffer make the right call!
get him to do his ting*
Sorry early morning in North America
Your right chickenshite!
*Looks to his right*
‘If he messes up, criticize him’
That’s not how football works.
But no worries. The coach will play who he thinks is suitable for the game plan. Whether that is high pressing, man marking, possession based…etc
Each scenario has it’s own actors.
Not our decision mate, personally I don’t think he has done enough to grant him a starting place so I would not start him but I support the team first. We’re playing well and the atmosphere is positive. COYG
Glad Koscielny is fit… not so sure about Lichtsteiner though. After how Jenko performed on Wednesday, I’d rather he played…. not sure if he will be picked but I’d love Ozil to play too!
This game is huge, nothing but a win will do!! COYG FOYS I need to brag!!
Should have been a card shown for that challenge on the boss..
Remember, every time Trippier gets the ball in their half, yell “SHOOT!”
??? nice one Teecee ?
Big week for sure. Arsenal have crumbled this time of the season before so it will be interesting to see if Unai can change last 10 years of february – march meltdowns. I´m not going to hold my breath – 2 draws in PL and a win in the EL wouldn´t surprise me nor upset me.
If we beat them, it will no longer be a 3 horse race for for one spot. Rather, it will become a 4 horse race for two spots
This is the level of cutting edge analysis we are all here for. Sign him up Arseblog!
Better odds!
Just a week and a half ago, all the pundits thought it was a three-horse race for the title. Now Spurms look like finishing fifth in that three-horse race!
Ugh I hate season defining weeks as, previously, they haven’t been that good!!! If we are to get a draw please let it be against Rennes, I want us to beat spuds and hammer manure!!!!
Koscielny will be hit and miss. If he can be fit its a bonus.
But if he is 50-50 we will have to weight against whether he can keep up against a very quick Spurs frontline.
Otherwise its either Sokratis-Mustafi in a back 4 or Mustafi-Sokratis-Monreal.
As for Rback, hopefully AMN is passed fit. Otherwise Lichsteiner in a more conservative role.
He’s done decent recently reliant on positioning. Certainly will be a MUCH better pick than Jenkinson who lost the ball so many times against Bournemouth.
Good news. And no Mike Dean too!