Arsenal: Sead Kolasinac return aids Nacho Monreal no end

Sead Kolasinac is back in full training. The Arsenal left back’s return will aid Nacho Monreal no end who, like Hector Bellerin last season, could well be in need of a rest.

Last season, Hector Bellerin played more than 3000 minutes last season. He was coming off a season in which a niggling ankle injury scuppered his full match sharpness, and robbed him of his full effectiveness, and was then asked to play almost every minute of every game of every competition. The Arsenal defender was simply tired.

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His performances were affected as a result. The amount he played is not a reasonable excuse for his dip in production, but it does provide a little insight into the problems that can be incurred when a player is overworked.

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The reason for Bellerin’s over-usage was very simple: there wasn’t anyone else in the squad who could play his position. Calum Chambers deputised there every now and then, as did Ainsley Maitland-Niles, but neither are natural right backs and both were required at other positions throughout the season. Bellerin was on his own and he had to play an awful lot because of it.

This season, the same thing is happening, but this time at left back. After Maitland-Niles started the first game and suffered a broken fibula with Stephan Lichtsteiner standing in for him for the remainder of the defeat to Manchester City, Nacho Monreal has played every minute of every game, including last Thursday’s Europa League opener against FC Vorskla, a match that he would not usually have to play.

At this early stage in the season, with games primarily coming just once a week, it is not that concerning. But it does set a precedent and pattern for the remainder of the year that, if continued, could come back to haunt Arsenal. Monreal, like Bellerin before him, would be overworked if he played through the season at the same rate as he is currently doing.

It is good news, then, that Sead Kolasinac, according to the latest medical update from Arsenal.com, returned to full training this week and could be ready to face Brentford in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night. If he is able to return as quickly as Wednesday, it would help Monreal no end.

The Spaniard is now 32. He needs to be taking care of his body as he exits his prime physical years. Having consistent rest and rotation is therefore integral to his performances this season, such that he stays sharp for the games that matter the most. Monreal is needed at his best in the Premier League, not, with all due respect, against Brentford.

Having Kolasinac there to spell him will be important. The bustling Bosnian will also push Monreal, should the latter’s performances deteriorate — that inner competition is always useful in a squad to ensure that players remain motivated and hard-working all season long. Kolasinac may not be the most dependable left back in the world, but his return helps Monreal, and that is a very good thing indeed.