Getting knocked out of a cup is quite a damaging thing for any club and especially one of the stature of Arsenal. But to make matters worse, the Gunners suffered two injury blows that will have a big impact on the season going forward.
Now, it is essential to find a solution to this defensive crisis. Speaking to the official website of the club, the Arsenal medical team confirmed that Sokratis is going to be out until the end of February.
This is a massive blow for the club as the Greek has been a hugely impressive member of the team so far. As for the injury suffered by club captain Laurent Koscielny, this is what Arsenal’s official website, had to say:
“Bruising and soft tissue swelling to face and jaw. Being reviewed on a daily basis.”
The good news here is that the injury is not a major one and that is certainly a relief for the club and the defender. He has already undergone a lot of injury trouble and this is the last thing that he would want.
Coming to what can be done to solve this defensive crisis. As things stand, the only two fit center backs are Shkodran Mustafi and Dinos Mavropanos. Rob Holding is out for the season and he was arguably the best defender for the Gunners.
The other option that Emery can make use of is to recall Krystian Bielik from his loan spell at Charlton Athletic. He can play in the center of defense as well and has shown that he is quite comfortable on the ball and this is something that Emery likes.
A lot of people would say that Arsenal should dip into the transfer market to find a solution. The only way a deal that suits the Gunners would happen is if it were a loan deal.
And Emery has already mentioned that only loan deals are possible at this moment for the club. So, finding a player that would fit this profile is going to prove to be difficult. As for internal solutions, Arsenal could always make use of Nacho Monreal who has experience of playing in the heart of the defense.
This seems like the most likely solution that Emery is going to make use of as it is convenient and won’t cost the club any money. Now, the Gunners have to focus on only two competitions and juggling the squad is going to show just how good a manager Emery is.
If Arsenal can get through this tricky period with the center back crisis going on, it will be quite an impressive achievement.
