Arsenal Team News: Wenger Confirms Major Injury Boost Ahead Of Man Utd Trip

Arsenal will have one eye on their Europa League semi-final with Atletico Madrid when they visit Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners blew a golden opportunity to take control of the European tie after conceding a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Atletico at the Emirates last night.

With a huge second leg to come in Madrid next Thursday, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is expected to make plenty of changes for the trip to Old Trafford this weekend.

The Manchester Evening News claim that Wenger has told his coaching staff he will rest all his big-hitters and risk taking a thrashing against United in order to prioritise the Atletico game.

The Frenchman knows he’s likely to end in defeat on his final visit to Old Trafford as manager of Arsenal but last night’s result has left Wenger with little option other than to protect his key players for the Europa League.

It means the likes of Calum Chambers, Sead Kolasinac, Rob Holding and Alex Iwobi are expected to be recalled against United while youngsters like Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock could also get starts.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will offer some experience to the Arsenal side as he’s certain to start due to the fact he’s cup-tied in Europe while Petr Cech could also be recalled in goal.

Wenger has also confirmed a major injury boost with the news that Henrikh Mkhitaryan is available again after recovering from a knee injury that’s kept him out for the last four games.

New Customers can get Arsenal at an enhanced 50/1 to beat Man Utd. Max Stake £1. Winnings paid in free bets. Full T&Cs Apply. 18+|Gamble Aware.

However, Mohamed Elneny is unlikely to play again this season after damaging ankle ligaments against West Ham last weekend while Santi Cazorla is still working his way back from serious injury.

Wenger told Arsenal.com:

on the latest team news…
We have no new problems. Mkhitaryan is available. Elneny is out, Cazorla too of course. Everyone else is OK.

Wenger is taking a big risk playing a weakened side at United as it could end in another humiliating 8-2 defeat like the one the north Londoners suffered at Old Trafford in 2011.

However, it’s understandable the Frenchman is prioritising the Europa League game as sixth-placed Arsenal have very little left to play for in the Premier League so they have to throw everything at the Madrid clash.