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Arsenal boss confirms duo could be recalled to start against Cardiff

By on August 31, 2018

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has confirmed that Mesut Ozil and Lucas Torreira are both in contention to start against Cardiff City on Sunday afternoon.

Ozil missed our 3-1 comeback victory over West Ham last weekend due to an apparent illness with initial reports suggesting he had called in sick following a training ground row with Emery after being told he’d be on the bench.

Subsequent reports claim Ozil genuinely had laryngitis and wasn’t able to play against the Hammers but the German playmaker returned to full training with the rest of the squad earlier this week.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference today, Emery confirmed that Ozil has been training fully all week and is in contention to return to the starting eleven against Cardiff on Sunday.

Fans are eager to see more of summer signing Torreira as he’s impressed off the bench in each of our opening three games following his £26m move from Sampdoria in July.

Emery says the Uruguayan international is working hard to break in to the side and Torreira could finally make his full debut at the Cardiff City Stadium this weekend.

Emery told Arsenal.com:

on Mesut Ozil…
He’s training normally with the group, in every session this week. We started on Tuesday and every day he has been training with the group. He’s OK. Also I’m looking at him well every day.

on whether Lucas Torreira is close to starting…
I am very happy with the player and I think every player can play. They also are working very well every day and demanding me with their works, to start the games. I like this spirit and also the possibility to play for the first 11 is okay. Then there is a possibility to stay in the match and then play. Every player, I am really, really very happy with how they are working and not only with Lucas, but for all.

It will be interesting to see if Ozil starts on Sunday after the rumours that he was going to be dropped against West Ham but I have a feeling we’ll see Mesut in the starting eleven against Cardiff.

I desperately hope he’s joined by Torreira as I think it’s about time the South American is handed his first start. We’ve been crying out for a defensive midfielder in recent years so it makes no sense leaving him on the bench any longer.

One Comment

  1. Bonaroca

    September 1, 2018 at 8:50 am

    Bonaroca:- It is not easy for Mr Emery to pick up a team due to the fact there are many new faces in the new Arsenal set up after the departure of Mr Wenger.
    I watched Arsenal’s opening three matches, and it was clear that there are teething problems, which will take time to solve and get players adjusted to the new system of play. One thing that is worrying is the defence, and I can’t see that the problem is going to be solved. There is no doubt Mustafi & Soros are erratic and slow and easily succumb to counter attacks. As regards Bellerine,sometimes he abandons his defensive duties.For sure Mr Emery is left with a defensive problem.