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Wenger confirms key midfielder is out of Man Utd clash

Wenger confirms key midfielder is out of Man Utd clash


Wenger confirms key midfielder is out of Man Utd clash

Arsenal without Xhaka for Manchester United clash

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the club will be without the services of midfielder Granit Xhaka for the league game against Manchester United this weekend.

The Swiss international sustained a kick to his ankle in the early stages of the 2-0 derby defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, and it appears that he has failed to overcome the problem in training this week.

In his pre-match press-conference, Wenger also confirmed that Lucas Perez will remain out with a thigh problem but Shkodran Mustafi has a chance to feature after having participated in normal training during the week.

Arsenal are currently six points off the fourth-placed Manchester City with a a game in hand, and they face a must-win match against the Red Devils, if they are to salvage their chances of attaining a Champions League qualification spot.

Xhaka has been often criticised by the media for his tackling abilities, but he has nevertheless impressed since the Gunners 'switch to the 3-4-2-1 formation.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks a likely candidate to partner Aaron Ramsey in central midfield, and this could see Hector Bellerin retain his spot as the right wing-back.