Mikel Arteta has suggested to the Gunners’ official website that Granit Xhaka is capable of playing in three positions for Arsenal tonight, and he’ll make a late decision as to where he’ll feature.
Arsenal are set to take on Slavia Prague with their left-back options depleted, following Kieran Tierney’s injury.
Xhaka started for the Gunners in defence in their recent Premier League game against Sheffield United.
However, whether the Swiss international will play there again tonight remains to be seen.
Arsenal do have the option of starting Bukayo Saka or Cedric at left-back.
And Arteta suggests that he will be making a late call over where to play Xhaka.
“We looked at our options in relation to the opponent and the formation that we wanted to use to fit the qualities of the players that we had available,” he said.
“Obviously not having Kieran, it was a big hit because of what he produces and how important he is on the team. Now we have to find different ways and the good thing with Granit is that he can play in two or three different positions.
“I can see him still playing as a centre back when it’s needed because of his discipline, his commitment and his qualities and he did a good job in a different game, for the way Sheffield were set up. We’ll decide tomorrow.”
Arteta really needs to make sure he gets his decision correct tonight, as Arsenal’s season looks like it will be defined by how they perform in the Europa League.
The Gunners look destined for a mid-table finish in the Premier League.
But if they can progress in Europe, Arsenal could yet make this a campaign to remember.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
