Mesut Ozil sat out of training and could miss the trip to Belarus as we prepare to face BATE Borisov this Spursday night in the Europa League group stage.
Ozil came on against West Brom on Monday night, but may be rested for the game along with several other first teamers, ahead of yet another crunch league game at home against Brighton on Sunday lunchtime.
Alexis Sanchez will make the trip despite playing the whole game against West Brom in our 2-0 win as he fights to get minutes and regain his fitness and form.
Wenger will also rest Petr Cech, preferring his cup keeper David Oooooooooospina instead and the Evening Standard claim that Koscielny, Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey will also stay at home, resting up ahead of the Brighton game.
Alex Iwobi has an injury and they reckon that Maitland-Niles, Nelson, Joe Willock, and Eddie Nketiah will all join the squad for the game and it looks increasingly likely that Jack Wilshere will start the game as we look to improve our position in the group after our opening game win over Cologne. Oli G and Theo could also play a big part despite not heavily featuring so far this term.
So after flying back from the match, we have just Friday and Saturday to prepare for the Brighton game meaning, after Monday night’s win over West Brom, we’d have played three games in just 6 days (and have a chance to win them all).
Also in The Evening Standard this morning, Arsene Wenger said that the fixture pile-up is ‘cruel’ and that there is little point moaning about fixtures as ‘the TV decides’.
More injury/team news as we get it (doubt it).