Arsenal were dealt a huge blow before the Man City game on Sunday when Mikel Arteta was ruled out through injury. However, it has now emerged that the midfielder is expected to be out for at least three weeks with a calf strain.
Having played every minute of Arsenal’s league campaign up until Sunday, Arteta will be a big loss for the team, having been one of the more consistent and better performers for Arsenal so far, in what has been a disappointing season.
Undesirable Options
With Arteta out injured, Wenger opted to start Diaby, who has only recently returned from a three month layoff, and his lack of match fitness was evident to see at the weekend. However, with Arteta sidelined for the next handful of games, it looks like Diaby could continue playing in that role.
Though Diaby is one possible option to replace Arteta in the centre of the midfield, Wenger could also call on Ramsey or Rosicky, who strangely hasn’t figured since the Bradford match in December. While a start for Ramsey may disgruntle some fans, it would be a welcome sight to see Rosicky playing again, given the fast, attacking play he can bring to the team.
A New Replacement?
There is hope, that with this injury to Arteta, and following the dismal defeat to Man City, that Arsenal may enter the transfer market, and Wenger has hinted that he may be tempted to enter. However, he has acknowledged that it won’t be easy, saying:
“We are in the market, but to find players of the calibre of Arteta in January, I wish you good luck.”
So, in other words, as Arsenal fans know all too well by now, that means no.
We can only hope he returns to the side quickly, as Wenger points out "It is a blow because in midfield he gives us experience, stability and tactical knowledge”.
In what is a busy period for Arsenal, with 6 games in the next three weeks, a player with the quality of Arteta will be sorely missed.
Latest:
Comments
Then, what we need above all is:
- 1 Defensive Mid (anchorman) that knows how to break plays and to play dirty but has a good ball ability. I would say that Wenger shold move for Scott Parker, E. Capoue, L.Biglia or Diame.
- 1 Left Back but this will come in the summer. Right now, Gibbs is doing well and let us pray he does not get injured.
- 1 Winger and I would say that Zaha should be the one joinung us.
- 1 Striker and here, we need a striker that can play like "Walcott". I would suggest maybe Gameiro from PSG.
Arsene does not have to wish us luck in finding a player. Thats what him and his staff are paid millions for. Spain, Italy, Germany, the choice is wide. The problem is getting good players to sign for a club that is perceived to have little ambition.
Jack is playing full of aggression but needs a BIG partner in midfield to play off - and to protect him at times.
We need a big strong midfielder and playmaker to hold up the ball and to think about attack (come back Alex Song) and a big strong forward to make his presence felt in the box. These two will do for me before the end of Jan.
Viva Gooners.