Arsenal boss Unai Emery is sweating it out over his mounting injury list, and Arsenal could be forced into signing a center-back in this winter transfer window. The Spaniard believes the Gunners will require a defensive cover to keep their impressive run going.
The Spanish tactician is running short at the back with his options limited after
To make matters worse, his first choice defenders Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi have picked up suspensions for Sunday’s clash against Southampton while Konstantinos Mavropanos has not got any minutes under his belt owing to his groin injury.
“If we can take one player to help us at center-back, I think it’s a good option. But a transfer is not easy” Emery told reporters ahead of the Europa League clash.
However, the only good news for Arsenal is veteran defender Laurent Koscielny has just recovered from his injury and is set to make his first appearance since May in the Europa League against minnows Qarabag. The Frenchman has was robbed of a place in France’s world cup winning campaign after rupturing his Achilles.
With no option on the line, Emrey might have to risk playing Koscielny in the Europa League as well as Sunday’s Premier League clash against Southampton. However, he is not sure if the Frenchman should be rushed into the workload.
Arsenal are currently on a 21-match unbeaten streak in all competitions and have already qualified for the next round of the Europa League. The Gunners sit fifth in the Premier League level on points with rivals Chelsea who are fourth.