Arsenal v Hull City early team news – Injury crisis worsens but some good news for Gunners
Arsenal’s recent form has been anything but consistent, but the Gunners will need to rediscover their shooting boots for the visit of Hull City this weekend.
In a repeat of last season’s FA Cup final the two meet at the Emirates, with just one point separating them in the table.
Defeat to Chelsea last time out followed a somewhat disappointing draw against Tottenham, but victory over Hull will be by no means straightforward given the Gunners growing injury list.
The international break has been far from kind to Wenger, with three stars returning to the club’s London Colney base with various injuries, the most disastrous of which is Mesut Ozil’s knee problem that will see the German miss up to three months of action.
The latest first team star to join him on the treatment table is defender Laurent Koscielny - who is suffering with tendonitis in his ankles.
It was expected that Koscielny would be fit and ready for the visit of Hull, but following reports that he has not recovered in time, Wenger confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the Frenchman will indeed miss out - although he could be in contention for a return for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Anderlecht.
With Calum Chambers suspended, Spaniard Nacho Monreal is expected to join Per Mertesacker in central defence, and youngster Hector Bellerin filling in at right-back.
There has been some good news for Gooners this week though, after Theo Walcott was pictured making his long-awaited return to training. The England man is far from ready to feature for the senior side, but is expected to feature for the U21s on Friday, while Tomas Rosicky - who pulled out of international action with a swollen muscle - has been passed fit.
Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta have also offered a boost to Arsenal’s crisis, with the pair tipped to be in contention to feature in the crunch Champions League clash, although this weekend’s fixture has been declared too soon for a return.
Below is a provisional XI for Arsenal v Hull:
Arsenal fans, how do you think you’ll line-up this weekend? Comment below…