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Arsenal: 4 players winter break is absolutely crucial for
By Mac Johnson
Arsenal have four players aiming to return from injury before our next fixture at Newcastle. This winter break will prove crucial to how our team stacks up going forward this season.
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This winter break will be very important for Arsenal’s future. Mikel Arteta can develop his tactics, and drill his players into his system. The inevitable winning swing under Arteta can start here. And best of all, four players are returning from injury, which is exactly what we need right now. Here they are, in order of importance.
4. Cedric Soares
The Portuguese international came to us already with a knock, having picked up ligament damage against Crystal Palace while still on the books at Southampton. He limped off unaided in the 21-st minute and has been in rehab ever since.
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Cedric is the ultimate depth player, able to play at both wingback roles, wide on the right of the midfield, and at the base of the midfield as a number 6. He plugs all of our gaps bar center-half, and will be a welcome addition to the team.
Similarly, his experience and captaincy will hopefully play a large role as we near the return of the Europa League. He has experience in international and European competitions, and will be an invaluable influence for the younger players on the team.
Considering he has not uprooted Hector Bellerin for the starting spot, I imagine his first game will come against Olympiakos, at the Emirates on February 20th. But his return from injury will allow a long-awaited reprieve for Bukayo Saka, and allow Ainsley Maitland-Niles to thrive as well. On to his fellow wingback at No. 3.