Arsenal XI without Sanchez – who to replace the Gunners’ best player?
Following the news that Alexis Sanchez is a doubt for Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa, here’s a look at how the Gunners could line up without the in-form Chilean, who joins a long list of other injured players in Arsene Wenger’s squad.
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The 26-year-old has a hamstring problem and it is not yet clear how long he will be out for, but this lineup illustrates quite how much weaker the team could look in his absence, even if the likes of Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott are now ready to be playing more regularly after suffering lengthy layoffs themselves…
Goalkeeper and defence:
With Mathieu Debuchy also out injured again, Arsenal may have to field new signing Gabriel at right-back. The Brazilian can play in either full-back role despite preferring central defence, but the Gunners have little choice in that position at the moment. The rest of the defence is as usual, with David Ospina likely to continue in goal at the expense of Wojciech Szczesny.
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Midfield:
Inspired by the surprising form of Francis Coquelin, the Frenchman should continue as Arsenal’s main defensive midfielder. Aaron Ramsey is the best partner for him at the moment, with Tomas Rosicky also an option in the absence of injured duo Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta.
Attack:
With Walcott not yet back to full fitness, it seems more sensible that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should replace Sanchez on the right, with Santi Cazorla moving to wide left to accommodate the returning Mesut Ozil in the number ten role. Upfront as usual is Olivier Giroud, with Danny Welbeck not yet back from injury.
Arsenal XI in full: