Eddie Nketiah has been ruled out of Arsenal’s upcoming game against Manchester City, causing a headache for manager Mikel Arteta as he looks to reshuffle his team ahead of the crucial fixture. Nketiah had been a regular starter for the Gunners in recent weeks, but now his absence has opened up a door of opportunity for other players to step up.
The young forward suffered a sprained ankle during Arsenal’s Europa League win over Olympiacos midweek, and although the injury is not too serious, he will be out for at least the next few weeks as he recovers.
Nketiah was brought back to Arsenal in January after being recalled from his loan spell at Leeds United, where he had impressed with a series of impressive performances in the Championship. Since returning to the Gunners, he has been given more opportunities to stake his claim for a place in the starting XI, and Arteta had been impressed with his energy, work rate, and willingness to run the channels.
However, with the England under-21 international now sidelined, Arteta will have to consider his options ahead of the tricky trip to the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal are currently in a poor run of form, having picked up just one win from their last five Premier League games, and Arteta will be desperate to get a positive result against his former mentor Pep Guardiola.
One of the options for Arteta is to bring back Alexandre Lacazette into the starting XI, who has been out of favor in recent weeks. Lacazette had fallen down the pecking order after a run of poor form, but with Nketiah ruled out, he could now be given another chance to prove his worth in front of goal.
Another option for Arteta is to play Gabriel Martinelli in a central role, as he has proven his versatility in attacking positions. Martinelli has been played on the wings so far this season, but with Nketiah ruled out, he could be deployed as a striker to add more pace and energy to the Arsenal frontline.
Nicolas Pepe has been another player who has struggled to find form this season, but with Nketiah out, he could be given another chance to impress on the right flank. The Ivorian winger has shown glimpses of his undoubted ability, but he has yet to establish himself as a regular starter in the Arsenal team.
Arteta may also have to consider his defensive options, as the Gunners have been leaking goals at an alarming rate in recent weeks. Shkodran Mustafi has been a liability at the back, and he could be replaced by Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who has been left out of the team in recent weeks, despite his experience and physicality.
The Arsenal boss will have to strike a delicate balance in his selection, as he will need to field a team that has the ability to attack and create chances, but also one that is solid enough at the back to withstand the threat of the City attack.
Nketiah’s injury news has certainly given Arteta a headache, but it could also be an opportunity for him to experiment with different formations and combinations of players. Arsenal have been accused of being too predictable in recent weeks, and a change in personnel could provide a much-needed spark to the team.
In conclusion, Eddie Nketiah’s injury news has come as a disappointment for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, as he had been a key part of the team in recent weeks. However, his absence could also be an opportunity for other players to step up and stake their claim for a place in the starting XI. Arteta will have to make some tough decisions ahead of the Man City game, but he will be hoping that his team can deliver a positive result and get the Gunners’ Premier League campaign back on track.