Granit Xhaka and Sokratis Papastathopoulos are likely to return to the Arsenal team for Wednesday’s Premier League clash at Wolves. Xhaka sat out Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace due to a hip concern but was back in training on Tuesday. He is expected to feature in the starting XI as one of several changes planned by boss Unai Emery in response to the weekend’s loss.
Also likely to start at Molineux is Sokratis, with the Greek defender having missed the last two league games due to suspension. He could come in for Shkodran Mustafi after his poor showing against Palace. Nacho Monreal and Lucas Torreira are also likely to be restored to the line-up after being on the bench at the weekend.
Related: Emery Jumps To Mustafi Defence
Arsenal do have concerns over the fitness of top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he sat out training on Tuesday, while midfielder Aaron Ramsey’s hamstring injury will keep him out of the clash. Denis Suarez is also unavailable due to a groin injury, while Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin and Danny Welbeck are long-term absentees.
Arsenal can move back into the top four with a win and Emery knows the clash with Wolves could prove to be pivotal. “[We need to] continue being proud of our season and knowing the key moments are now,” Emery said at his press conference on Tuesday.
“Tomorrow is also a big moment and a big match for us, a big challenge because we are playing against a team who feel strong with their supporters. “But it’s a good moment to try to do all we can, with intelligence. We need to be clear, we need to play with heart but above all being clear in our minds.”
