Arsenal head to Old Trafford
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford on Thursday night hoping to replicate their performance from last season, where they ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty.
Unlike last season, it is the Gunners that are flying high, while Manchester United are going through something of a crisis, with the Red Devils having picked up just 5 from a possible 24 points across their last eight games. As a result, a loss for the home side could see them drop into the bottom half of the table, and would push Arsenal eight points clear in the race for Europe.
🗞 Read our latest team news ahead of tomorrow’s match against Manchester United 👇#MUNARS
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 1, 2021
The Gunners too have selection headaches. For the most part, they have had a settled side, in part due to no European football commitments, and in part due to few injuries. But, there are now questions to be asked.
Two first-team players missing?
Now, eagle-eyed Arsenal fans believe that they have spotted two first-team players not currently with the squad… by looking through training photos.
The first is perhaps predictable, in the form of Bukayo Saka, who was a doubt anyway. Speaking to the press this morning, Arteta revealed:
“I am hopeful but we don’t know. Obviously it’s a really short turnaround and the player has to be comfortable playing with a little injury, so let’s see how he is in training.”
Bukayo Saka does not appear in any of the training photos from today. #afc
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) December 1, 2021
However, he has not appeared in any of the photos.
Neither, however, has Bernd Leno. Although unlikely to start given Aaron Ramsdale’s form, Leno has still been the no.2 goalkeeper for Arteta’s side.
Okonkwo posted this and Leno wasn’t in any training pictures, so maybe he will be on the bench at Old Trafford. Will have to wait and see. pic.twitter.com/DVLCwaZnSl
— Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) December 1, 2021
As per a photo circulating from 3rd choice goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, and the lack of photos of Leno, will we see him in the matchday squad tomorrow?
