[ad_1]
The Arsenal players were put on the test Monday at their last full practice session before their Premier League clash with Cardiff City.
The Gunners will welcome the Welsh club on Tuesday, knowing that three points are essential to rank in the top four.
Arsenal will enter the match following a 3-1 defeat by Manchester United in the FA Cup, but hopes to continue with a 2-0 win over Chelsea last weekend.
But they will be without Sokratis and Laurent Koscielny at the heart of their defense due to injuries sustained in the tie.
Emery confirmed at his press conference Monday that the two central backs would be absent.
"They are not doing well for tomorrow but it's good news for Koscielny because he has not broken his jaw," he said.
"Sokratis is not a big injury but for the moment it's not okay, I do not know how long, but I think maybe two or three weeks."
However, the boss of the Gunners was encouraged by the return of Konstantinos Mavropanos to the first team.
The Greek defender has missed most of the season due to an injury, but has improved his fitness by playing with the Under-23 in recent weeks, and Emery has confirmed that it would be included in the team for the match Tuesday.
"He works with us last month and plays with the under-23s and he's fine.The first half, we can work with him for the team tomorrow.He's in the team with the opportunity to play. "
Granite Xhaka, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil are also involved in the workout.
The German playmaker left the bench against Manchester United, but still remains behind Emery's starting lineup in the Premier League.
When asked if he expected more from Arsenal's highest paid player, Emery said, "I ask for myself and I ask each player to improve." Our performance is better. first for me, then for other players like Mesut Ozil, Petr Cech, Alex Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Matteo Guendouzi because I think we can improve and we are very critical towards ourselves to find our best performance every day.
"I want Mesut's best performance every day and when he plays, he gives us his best quality and commitment."
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.londres via the free football.london application for iPhone and Android.
Available for download on the App Store and Google Play
Source link
