Not exactly the news Wenger needed ahead of his first knockout clash in Europa. The Gunners are without summer signing, Alexandre Lacazette, for a lengthy spell.
Alexandre Lacazette has been sidelined for six weeks, according to Sky Sports and other outlets.
The question to be answered now is, what does Arsene Wenger do with only one option upfront and a list of players not available, after leaving the North London club?
Arsenal got rid of deadwood during the transfer window. Almost a handful of players were sold and took leave from the Gunners.
Francis Coquelin, Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez, and Olivier Giroud, all left the club in the winter window.
BREAKING: #Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette to have knee surgery, will miss six weeks.
— The Top Flight (@TheTopFlightFS) February 13, 2018
(Source: @SkySportsNews)
In return to the transfers out – Arsenal made two significant signings for themselves, a swap deal, and a big money deal. These transfer came at the best time for the Gunners, as they endure a pretty intense second half to the season.
Coming up just around the corner, is the Carabao Cup Final – where they take on Manchester City. That plus their league run, and the rest of the knockout stages in their Europa run – makes six weeks seems like a long period to be without a key striker.
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What Arsenal can do to survive
There’s not much that can be done – except hope for the best from their only striker of world-class quality. Wenger has been using one striker up front for most part, and has barely used two up front.
With the players out, Arsenal has little options up front for cover. Alex Iwobi, and Danny Welbeck, are the only players that comes to mind, and an underwhelming thought at that.
Nowhere near the grade of the two ahead of them, they almost certain never to start if both forwards are fit.
https://twitter.com/Sporf/status/956287584963125254
The Gunners have two choices heading into the homestretch section of the campaign.
One, Arsenal can take the gamble, and let either operate in the number 9 role when they take on opposition, like later this evening. Luckily, later this evening, new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, will be able to play, because of the week break Arsenal have.
However, following their boring European clash – they have back-to-clashes verses, Manchester City. This is where they need to ride their luck a bit – and go into those two fixtures, unworried and fearless of losing anybody first choice.
Next: Tottenham eased into the next round
The need to secure silverware, places above anything else. The next thing is taking down Man City, and helping themselves out, to a better fight to a top four finish. This option allows them to rest a man where needed, but at the risk of poor results perhaps.
The other option – play every match like it was a final. Use your best eleven to achieve the best results each game. That’s until something breaks, and a change is needed. High risk, but maximum profits.
This will only be possible – with the best Gunners on the pitch.