Arsenal will be forced to make changes to the side after it was revealed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be sidelined for a few weeks through a knee injury.
Arsene Wenger revealed the news during his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekends must-win tie at Manchester United.
But the manager will now be forced to rotate the squad, with Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell jumping on the chance to fill Chamberlain’s spot.
It’s a similar story for the 22-year-old, who was beginning to find himself as a regular in the first team, after being rewarded with a start against Barcelona in mid-week.
However, the English international will now miss up to at least four weeks after picking up an injury to his knee during the 2-0 defeat that leaves the Gunners chances in the Champions League all but over.
Chamberlain will now see a specialist, like those over at Synergy Physical Therapy and Wellness, over the weekend and we should have a better understanding of the extent of his injury soon, but Wenger admitted it could be longer than first presumed.
We lost Chamberlain on Tuesday. His injury is quite serious and keeps him out for a few weeks, it could be two or three weeks or perhaps six or seven. Injuries in football are common which is why many players seek a long-term disability quote to ensure they will still be paid whilst they are unable to play. This insurance is also able to help people who may be unable to work due to illness.
Despite the midfielder missing some key upcoming games for the North London side, it paves the way for some players to step up from the bench and be counted.
Danny Welbeck has looked like a new player since his return from injury, whilst Joel Campbell looked impressive before Alexis Sanchez stole his place in the squad.
Wenger also has Walcott and the soon to return Jack Wilshere at his disposal, so it could be a defining moment to see players try and cement their position.
That all of course will start on Sunday afternoon, as Arsenal aim to make it a first league victory at Old Trafford in a decade.
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