Arsenal’s defence is in a bad way.
The Gunners had to roll out a back three of Stephan Lichtsteiner, Laurent Koscielny, and Granit Xhaka against Southampton, a game they would ultimately lose 3-2.
A fitness update has given Unai Emery a mixed picture of what he can look forward to over the festive period.
The good news first – reports claim Lichtsteiner will be available for selection against Spurs in the League Cup on Wednesday, as will veteran central defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
The bad news however suggests there will be no imminent return for either Sead Kolasinac or Shkodran Mustafi.
Mustafi was suspended for Sunday’s game against Southampton, but sustained a hamstring injury against Spurs that is far from being healed.
Kolasinac missed out on the Southampton trip with a tight thigh, and is unlikely to be risked against the other, less successful team from North London.
Hector Bellerin is also facing a number of weeks out of action, after picking up a calf problem against the Saints.
