Five players could miss EPL clash with Leicester City - Arsenal confirm
Football
By
Mirror
| Oct 25, 2020
Arsenal could be without five first-team players for their clash with Leicester at the Emirates on Sunday night.
The Gunners are aiming to get back to winning ways domestically having come unstuck at Manchester City last weekend.
But they may have to do so without summer signing Willian while centre-half Rob Holding will be absent.
The Brazilian has been a regular part of the Arsenal attack since making the move across London from Chelsea.
A calf issue though could keep him out of the game at the Emirates with a late assessment due to determine whether or not he can play.
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He is one of several attacking players who could be unavailable to Mikel Arteta with Gabriel Martinelli out with a knee problem.
Holding, who has not been a starter in recent weeks with Gabriel and David Luiz preferred, injured himself during the warm-up last weekend.
A hamstring issue is expected to keep him out for around three weeks and is another defender who is struggling for fitness.
Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers are both long-term absentees having suffered injuries last season.
Arteta saw his side respond well to their reverse at City by beating Rapid Wien during midweek.
A 2-1 win in Vienna was achieved despite going down early on and helps build momentum ahead of Leicester's visit.
Arsenal can leapfrog their opponents with a win as they currently sit below them on goal difference.
Arteta has this week received praise from Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers who has been impressed with his impact in north London.
"Mikel has done an excellent job, he has given them a structure and a base to play from," said the Northern Irishman.
"He went in early and was playing 4-3-3 but realised maybe he wanted to change the structure and since he has done that, they have been outstanding.