Arsenal Hit By Double Injury Blow Ahead Of Anderlecht Clash + Wilshere Latest

Arsenal have been hit by a double injury blow ahead of their Champions League clash against Anderlecht with both David Ospins and Isaac Hayden set to miss the game, according to reports today.

Ospina has only started one game – our Capital One Cup defeat to Southampton – since his £3m summer move from Nice and came on as a substitute during our 4-1 win over Galatasaray following Wojceich Szczesny’s sending off.

The Colombian was in-line to make his full debut in the Champions League on Wednesday as Szczesny is suspended but the Mirror claim the 26-year-old has now been ruled out after failing to recover from a thigh injury that’s plagued him in recent weeks.

It’s a huge blow as it means Arsene Wenger will have little choice other than to start third choice goalkeeper Damián Martínez for what will be the 22-year-old’s first taste of European football.

The newspaper also suggests that Isaac Hayden is set to miss the trip to Belgium. The 19-year-old was due to be involved against Hull City on Saturday but was ruled out of the game after picking up an ankle injury in training on Friday which is also likely to keep him out of Wednesday’s clash.

Calum Chambers is back from suspension and should partner Per Mertesacker in central defence with Laurent Koscielny out while Hector Bellerin should keep his place at right-back, but Hayden’s absence means we are still short of defensive options on the bench.

However, there is some positive news as Jack Wilshere is in contention despite being forced off on Saturday. The midfielder limped off mid-way through the second half after hurting his knee making a reckless tackle but Arsene Wenger has confirmed he’ll be available to face Anderlecht.

He said after the game on Wilshere:

“He got a kick on his knee. It’s not a concern, it’s not twisted or anything,” Wenger is quoted as saying by the Mirror

Despite Wilshere being fit, Wenger may opt to give him a rest on Wednesday as Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey are both available again after recovering from their respective injuries.