Arsenal: Happy days when Henrikh Mkhitaryan injury means nothing

Arsenal will be without the services of Henrikh Mkhitaryan against Qarabag, but isn’t it lovely that this injury doesn’t effect the game much at all?

Arsenal are rolling on seven straight wins in all competitions and they will be determined to make it eight as they take on Qarabag in matchweek two of the Europa League. But they will have to make due without the services of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has been ruled out due to injury, compounding on his frustrations this year.

There was a time when the nature of the club would drive me to a fit of nerves, given this news. Mkhitaryan has been a driving force in these side competitions, and as a substitute in the Premier League, but he hasn’t been able to put it all together.

Still, these midweek competitions have been his bread and butter, and they’ve been his opportunity to reassert himself on an attacking set-up that is wide open to change.

Yet, still, knowing that Mkhitaryan will be out does nothing to me. I don’t feel any looming dread or fears of impending devastation. I am 100% not bothered by this development and it’s a happy, happy feeling. Obviously I’d love to have him back but in the meantime, think about what we’re working with.

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Firstly, we have Alex Iwobi, who I’m still waiting to take over the starting job in general. He’s been fantastic in the capacity that he is being used and I may favor him over Mkhitaryan at the moment anyway, health or no health.

Then we have Emile Smith Rowe, who has been fighting his way into the picture more and more with each opportunity. He’s making his way into the conversation of the top young English prospects and he’d be thrilled to get back out there in a starting role.

Then there is Danny Welbeck and Eddie Nketiah, one at striker, one in the midfield, however you mash them up, I would love to see either or, preferably, both out there against Qarabag. Which would round of an attack that is potent, young, and not missing much of anything.

We wish Mkhitaryan a speedy recovery, and it sounds like he won’t be missing long, but in the meantime, the club will do just fine without him. And that’s just swell.