Arsenal Vs Ostersunds: Don’t overlook the two key absentees

Both Jack Wilshere and Laurent Koscielny were not included in the matchday squad for Arsenal’s win over FK Ostersunds. Do not overlook the significance of their absences as the season begins to reach its climax.

In the build-up to Arsenal’s Swedish adventures on Thursday night, Arsene Wenger stated that he would commit his resources to the oft-maligned European cause, denying the usual rotation that he has favoured and playing his more established stars. For the most part, he was true to his word.

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There were, however, two key absentees from Arsenal’s matchday squad. Both travelled with the team and partook in training throughout the week, but neither were included on the night, either in the starting XI or on the substitutes’ bench.

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The absence of Laurent Koscielny and Jack Wilshere from Arsenal’s 3-0 win over FK Ostersunds is extremely significant. Wenger clearly saw an opportunity to provide rest to two players who are notoriously susceptible to lingering and debilitating injuries — Koscielny has struggled with an ailing Achilles for several seasons; Wilshere has a long injury history that includes weak ankles and a broken leg from the back-end of last season.

Given that the Gunners’ last game before Thursday was on Saturday, the underwhelming North London derby loss that may have resigned to finishing outside the top four for the second season in succession, and that they do not play another non-Europa League fixture until the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, February 25th, Wenger has the perfect chance to provide two players with a lengthy vulnerability to injuries with a two-week break right in the heart of the season.

In large part, that is because of the 4-2 loss to Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup. This weekend sees the fifth round come to the fore. Arsenal, obviously, are not in it, and they will have the pleasure of having a weekend off.

That break is only accentuated by the emphatic nature of Thursday’s win. The second leg occurs next Thursday, just three days before the Carabao Cup final. Wenger would not have wanted to play a strong team, risking injuries and fatigue setting in just days before such an important fixture. Thankfully, he won’t have to.

Even a weakened side should have the aptitude to dispatch Ostersunds with a three-goal advantage. The likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Mohamed Elneny and Alex Iwobi all showed themselves to be capable of handling the Swedes. There is no reason to doubt that they cannot do so again.

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That means that Wilshere and Koscielny need not worry about playing two games in four days. They can save themselves, rest their bodies, and protect their ailments. As the season reaches its climax, their fitness and availability will be vital for this team. Resting now, then, is a luxury that few other teams can enjoy.