Arsenal: Destiny Knocking Again For Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal are facing a serious injury problem, but it may just be the opportunity that someone needs. And that someone is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsenal are going to be without Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Mohamed Elneny for a decent stretch of time, meaning that Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey are about to become friends really fast. Or at least they better.

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But having another option is absolutely imperative. Not just to remain fresh, but to have different outlets should the only available pairing not work out. I loved the idea of Jon Toral coming back to Arsenal and getting his shot, but I am rather tired of barking about Jon Toral when Arsene Wenger clearly has other priorities.

The other option that seems to get forgotten about is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The enigmatic Englishman is a central midfielder, by his own reckoning and by Arsene Wenger’s. Yet every chance that the Ox gets to fit into the role – and he has had chances – gets ignored.

This time around, we have another big time opportunity for the Ox to play his natural position and flex what he is really made of. Yet again, the benefits of taking that chance is right there for the taking.

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While life on the wings is finally starting to jive with the Ox, as he is having his best season ever, statistically and beyond, moving him into the center of the pitch might even grow what success he is already having. He hasn’t had as many chances to play his favored role and with Ramsey in a similar situation, he probably isn’t going to have any chances beyond the few times when destiny knocks.

This is one of those times. Both of Arsenal’s midfield options have a diverse array of talents and should fit together nicely, but in the waning embers of a match when you need that extra juice, the Ox could fill that roll and add an added punch that wasn’t available before.

Then, with his chops proven a bit more, he could start to insert his name a bit more into the conversation for contenting for those two holding roles.

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Which is going to be needed. Cazorla’s presence is missed and having that reliable midfielder who can turn defense into attack is a necessity going forward. I’m not saying Ox is going to seamlessly fit into the job, but it’s worth a shot. Especially if the trust in Ramsey isn’t there.