Arsenal travel to Swansea’s Liberty Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as the Gunners look to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 Capital One Cup defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday.
As well as the result, Arsenal left Hillsborough with even more bad news following injuries to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott, who have both been ruled out for at least three weeks. With Aaron Ramsey also injured, there’s a position that needs to be filled, and Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has challenged his squad to show its depth and quality as he looks for an answer on Arsenal’s right flank.
Wenger will decide what he thinks is the best way to balance his side, who currently sit second in the Premier League, as he aims to leave south Wales with all three points.
Joel Campbell has rarely been given a chance in the Arsenal first team, however could play an important role on Saturday, and speaking at his pre-match press conference, Wenger is confident his side has the ability to adapt.
It is always disappointing to lose players but we are equipped first of all with the quality of our squad and we are equipped mentally as well to deal with anything.
My short-term option is [to play] Campbell or get one more defensive midfielder in like Flamini and put Cazorla on the flank. I haven’t decided yet. We will find solutions and I have to find the right one.
Despite successful loan spells in recent seasons, Campbell hasn’t been able to force his way into the starting eleven at the Emirates, however the Costa Rican international has impressed Wenger in recent weeks, and as a result could be set for an extended run in the side.
I have been very impressed with Campbell, his attitude is outstanding and his daily dedication in training and his desire to improve is absolutely outstanding.
I think he can be a big help for us, and he can play centre forward don’t forget that. In the coming two to three months he can be a very important player for us.
Wenger admits coming through the numerous injury problems is a test for his Arsenal squad, however wants his players to take full advantage of their opportunities as they come along. Campbell would be yet another player who has been given a chance in the first team and been successful, following the emergence of both Francis Coquelin and Hector Bellerin last season, who are now regulars for the Gunners.
This is a challenge for me and for the players who come in to show their quality. At the end you can find yourself with a bigger squad – that is what happened with Coquelin and Bellerin last season.
