Arsenal: 6 players fighting for their places in the team

6. Mohamed Elneny

There are few who want to see Mohamed Elneny anywhere near the starting lineup in any competition. Considering that he is going to be leaving when the season concludes anyway, there is little reason at all for him to be playing over anyone anyway.

But with Xhaka’s injury, a new space has opened up.

Whether Arsenal plump for a double pivot or a 4-1-4-1 shape doesn’t make an awful lot of difference to the Egyptian since he won’t be starting in either formation. However, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and him vying for a place in the case of Sambi or Thomas Partey not featuring, he has a tiny door left ajar for him to go and wrestle his way ahead of the Englishman.

Not included at all in the squad to face Tottenham when the whole first team was fit was a clear indicator of where he stands in the manager’s eyes. Given his small wages and non-disruptive attitude, it would appear there is no great loss internally in having him play out his contract without, well…actually playing any football.

What happens if Partey is absent, though? Arteta spoke about the desire for balance between youth and experience and a midfield pairing of Maitland-Niles and Sambi leans more towards the youthful side. Elneny will be looking at that spot.