"Creative" Arsenal star poised to start vs Wigan with injury crisis, point to prove before Wolves game
Arsenal host Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round at the Emirates Stadium this evening.
The Gunners booked their spot against the Latics after a convincing 4-1 win over Portsmouth last month.
Gabriel Martinelli was the man of the match with a maiden career hat-trick.
Martinelli is likely to start on the left wing later today, but the prime focus will be on Eberechi Eze.
The £60 million signing has endured a tough time since late November and has failed to register a single goal involvement in his last 15 appearances for the club.
He has been a regular substitute over the past few months, but the ongoing injury crisis could be a blessing in disguise for Eze to find form and confidence.
The Englishman, described as a ‘creative and explosive talent‘ by sporting director Andrea Berta, looks poised to start in the attacking midfield position again.
Mikel Merino has been ruled out for ‘months‘ after foot surgery, while Kai Havertz won’t be available for the next two matches at least due to a muscular problem.
Martin Odegaard was limping heavily after a knock to his knee at Brentford, and the Norwegian star was subsequently not spotted in yesterday’s training pictures.
Hence, Eze is pretty much guaranteed to start as the creative playmaker, and he has a point to prove ahead of the midweek Premier League game at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Arsenal are expected to beat the Latics in the FA Cup fourth round. Hopefully, Eze can make a goal contribution before the trip to the West Midlands on Wednesday night.
The Gunners are four points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the league standings, and can extend the gap to seven with a victory over the bottom-placed outfit.
With Odegaard nursing a potential injury, Eze could be in line to start against Wolves if he impresses versus Wigan. Otherwise, manager Mikel Arteta could contemplate a wildcard option such as Leandro Trossard in the number 10 position against Rob Edwards’ side.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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