Arsenal team news: 3 players doubtful for Ljungberg’s first game at Norwich

Freddie Ljungberg will take charge of his first game as interim Arsenal manager when the Gunners travel to Norwich City on Sunday afternoon.

Ahead of the game, the club have issued a team news and injury update on Arsenal.com with the latest on the fitness of David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi, Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac and Dani Ceballos.

Luiz picked up a rib injury during Arsenal’s Europa League defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night. The defender tried to continue after receiving treatment but was eventually forced off and he’s now a doubt for the trip to Norwich.

Mustafi was also substituted during the 2-1 loss last night after suffering a foot injury in the second half and the German centre-back will also need a late fitness check before his availability on Sunday is known.

Bellerin sat out the Europa League clash after picking up a minor hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw with Southampton last weekend. The full-back will be assessed at London Colney to see if he’ll be fit for the trip to Carrow Road.

We’ll have to wait whether any of the trio are able to take on Norwich but one man who is certain to miss out is Ceballos as he’s still on course to return to training in mid-December following a hamstring injury.

However, there is some positive news as Arsenal have confirmed Kolasinac is fit to return this weekend after missing the recent games against Southampton and Frankfurt with a hamstring problem.

An update on Arsenal.com read:

David Luiz
Bruised ribs. Sustained during the Eintracht Frankfurt (h) match on Thursday. Being assessed ahead of Sunday’s match.

Shkodran Mustafi
Bruised left foot. Sustained during the Eintracht Frankfurt (h) match on Thursday. Being assessed ahead of Sunday’s match.

Hector Bellerin
Tight hamstring. Being assessed ahead of Sunday’s match.

Sead Kolasinac
Missed Southampton (h) and Eintracht Frankfurt (h) with slight hamstring issue. Now available for selection.

Dani Ceballos
Left hamstring. Sustained during the Vitoria SC (a) match on November 6. Aiming to return to full training mid-December.

So Ljungburg has a few fitness concerns to deal with as he prepares for his first match in charge of Arsenal after being installed as interim boss following Emery’s exit on Friday morning.

Ljungberg has a huge job on his hands as Arsenal haven’t won any of their last seven matches in all competitions and desperately need a win at Norwich to reduce the current eight-point gap on the top four.