It looks likely that Dani Ceballos will miss a second game in a row due to a tight calf but the medical team seem confident it’s not a serious problem.
The Spaniard sat out Monday’s 3-0 win over Newcastle United and is being assessed ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup 3rd round clash at Southampton.
It would be silly to rush the on-loan Real Madrid midfielder back to action so if the boss fancies giving Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey a breather this weekend, he’ll likely turn to Joe Willock and Mohamed Elneny.
Pablo Mari, who has missed the last two games, due to a mild calf strain is in line to return to full training next week.
As things stand, the camp is also free of Covid-19, which is no mean feat in the circumstances.
Good news
Part of me wishes to see Balogun starting saturday, the other part knows it’s not going to happen
Recon there is a reason why you will not see Balogun considered, I will be surprised to see him in an Arsenal shirt again sadly.
Interesting user name, whats the story behind it?
Unfortunately, I think you’re right. There was a press report that he was on his way to R B Leipzig and later on further reports that it was between them and a couple of other European clubs – so the strong indication is that he’s leaving to go somewhere on the continent. If so, it’s a great shame as he’s got real talent and potential. I hope it’s not down to the club – we seem to have no trouble at all in bringing in a real dud like Runarsson, but can’t keep Balogun. Something looks to be wrong somewhere.
We might well be selling laca and Prometheus season to generate funds for a mother powerhouse CM to partner partey. Auba up top with Eddie and balogun fighting out for 2nd choice. If he’s not confident in displacing Eddie then he should go.
If 19 year old Balogun cannot sign a new contract and fight for the opportunity to play for the club that has looked after him and developed him since the age of 7, then he can fook right off
Agree but we left him in the cold for too long. Surely Arteta could have secured more meaningful minutes this season
Bullshit. Look at our record for developing youngsters. He tried to hold us to ransom for more minutes when it is clear looking at the first team right now that if he is good enough in time he would get his chance.
Partey a breather? He’ll be starting this weekend. Arteta takes the FA cup quite seriously. And Partey needs the minutes
Yes, we need to give him a good run now as he had an unfortunate start with us. We should, as a “big” club (whatever that means nowadays) have the squad to balance the various competitions, although the PL is the most important (getting higher up the table, not winning it of course). I’m not convinced we have the real quality in depth, although we have the numbers – but that’s not the same thing. Anyway, we’ll see shortly.
I’d want him playing in the league, though, and I don’t know if it’s wise just yet with his recovery to be playing him on Saturday then Tuesday.
Considering teams are not allowed to have more than two players from the same team on loan, and IF the Odegaard news is true I wonder if Ceballos being “injured” could be in preparation for a swap of sorts.
I saw someone clarify that you’re not allowed to have 2 players from the same premiership or English team on loan. Doesn’t count if it’s from outside England
excellent, thank you for the clarification!
It is difficult to keep young potential player with bad agent. It is hard but please forget Balogun