Crazy that with Timber now fully fit, one of that current bench today won't even make match day squad from now on.
Do we need to replace Jesus IN January? Much as I like him, I cant remember the last time he won a game for us. He's been poor for 12 months. Would love us to go back for Sesko but that won't happen until at least the Summer.
Honestly, his fall-off is alarming. At least before, even if he wasn't scoring, he was taking players on, creating space, dribbling at attackers and always looked a threat. Now, everything he does is just poor. Doesn't hold the ball up that well, can't shoot, doesn't create anything, doesn't facilitate that well, his decision-making is terrible. Maybe it is that knee injury he's had, but he looks a shadow of the player he once was. I would like to see us strengthen our frontline in January, but there's like 2% chance of that happening.
On the injury front, apparently Timber has been ruled out of the Netherlands squad from the international break, which suggests he won't be playing tomorrow. White and Tomiyasu remain doubts, too. I wonder who we play at RB if all 3 are out.
Saka injured yesterday against Greece. Hoping it won't be anything serious, but didn't look good and was holding his hamstring as he was coming off...really hope he'll be alright. Also, I know there's conflicting reports, but apparently Odegaard won't be back until after the next international break in November. Frustrating, but at least it gives Nwaneri a chance (I hope).
This is beyond a joke now. I love Tomiyasu, but he just can't seem to break this cycle of injuries. And it totally makes sense why the contract extension we gave him was only 2+1 (option) years. It's time to move him on in the Summer. No point keeping him around if he's never available.
Lee Carsley said it wasn't too serious and he could have even been in contention to start against Finland, but they thought better not to risk it and that he should be sent back to Arsenal for further assessments. Thankfully, common sense prevailed here!
Wonder if we will see Merino start on the weekend? I was thinking - although I rate Partey in some games he's the weak link in the side. He can be slow to release the ball and gets caught out in a high press. I think that might be why Merino was brought in. Wether Rice goes to a 6 or we play a double divot with Odegaard as a 10 - remains to be seen.
It's possible, although he has featured in both games over the international break and didn't play a full 90. Partey didn't go to Ghana over the break either and has had 2 full weeks of rest and recovery. Wouldn't surprise me if Partey starts. Odegaard not going to be back until November. So it'll be interesting to see who our creative link will be from midfield.
If Martinelli is out we may see.. Trossard----Havertz--------Saka --Rice------Partey------Merino-- No AMF'er but still. If Martinelli is fit we'll see Trossard back as a no.10.
Odegaard not on international duty. Saka and Rice also being pulled from England camp. Hopefully the injuries aren't too serious, but I am glad neither will be going
Yeah pretty sure Rice and Saka have been playing with small issues. On top of that White, Timber, Gabriel, Calafiori, Merino, Odegaard have all recently had injuries. The break could actually help us out for once.
Ben White has had a minor surgery that, according to some reports, could keep him out for up to 8 weeks. I had a feeling he was carrying something because he didn't seem comfortable the last few times he's been playing. We really, really need Tomiyasu and Calafiori back ASAP. Especially the former. Could really do with him being present given how short we are at the back.
Trossard came off injured in Belgium's 1-0 defeat to Israel. That's a blow for us. I know he's not been great this season, but he's been played out of position and he's still very effective off the bench. I hope it's nothing too serious.
MLS is a natural fit for LB and Timber can shift to RB (where he rocks) until Tomi and Cala are back fit.
Annoying time for White to be injured for so long, but explains his sluggish performances recently. Really not the time for an injury lasting this long, though. Especially as Arteta has also confirmed Tomiyasu is no closer to being back and we have no idea when he'll make a reappearance.
