For all of Arsenal’s impressive displays this season, they still have a lengthy injury list to contend with in the run-up to Thursday’s Europa League battle with Sporting Lisbon, according to reports from the medical team.
Nacho Monreal is still carrying a hamstring injury that has ruled him out since the 5-1 demolition of Fulham in October, in which he assisted Alexandre Lacazette for the opening goal.
Prior to picking up the problem, the 32-year-old Spaniard featured in nine successive wins in all competitions, charting three assists and a goal against West Ham.
Sokratis appears to be keeping Monreal company in the medical room, as his ankle injury from international duty with Greece looks destined to rule him out against Sporting.
It was initially thought that the centre-back would be fully fit, especially after playing 90 minutes in the reverse fixture in Lisbon, however, the recurring problem has prevented him from featuring since.
Fortunately for the Gunners, the welcome returns of Sead Kolasinac and Hector Bellerin have eased the defensive frailties that Unai Emery faced previously.
Nevertheless, with two matches in four days and the additional absence of Laurent Koscielny and Konstantinos Mavropanos at the back, there could be some rotation at the Emirates this Thursday.
Given their dominance in Europa League’s Group E, Emery may prioritise the hosting of Wolves on Sunday. Nuno Santo’s men have lost three on the bounce and Arsenal will hope to capitalise on this slump as the title race begins to gather pace.
