Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the Gunners will be without the services of two players for the midweek Premier League game.
The North London side are eyeing their first league victory in three attempts when they take on West Ham in Wednesday’s London derby.
Speaking in the lead-up to the game, Wenger revealed that Shkodran Mustafi is still short of fitness, and his comeback is likely to be delayed until the Newcastle United game this weekend.
“[He will be out] a little bit longer. He’s out in training, running. The medical staff have decided that he’s not completely ready. Will he be ready for Saturday against Newcastle? Yes,” he is quoted as saying on Arsenal’s official website.
Meanwhile, Ramsey is another short-term absentee for the encounter after he was unable to run in the dying stages of the Southampton draw with a hamstring problem. Wenger added: “It’s a hamstring injury, but normally [he’ll be out for] a short period. It’s not a big one.”
The three-man backline has been a concern over the past couple of games where both Manchester United and Southampton have used the high-press, and Wenger could potentially revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation on Wednesday.
The game also offers an opportunity for Jack Wilshere to make his first start of the league campaign, although Wenger has previously gone with Mohamed Elneny in the past in Aaron Ramsey’s injury absence.
Arsenal have accumulated just eight points in eight away trips this term, and the Gunners pretty much face a must-win game at the London Stadium in order to keep up with the top-four race, which should be the minimal aim, now that the title hunt is out of question.
