Arsene Wenger has clarified that the club would miss the services of Mathieu Flamini and club captain Mikel Arteta due to injuries.
In the absence of Francis Coquelin and Jack Wilshere, the fans were expecting Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta to step up as both the players were out of favour at the club.
But when it matters the most none of the veteran midfielders is available. While Flamini announced his comeback in a grand manner against Totteham Hotspur scoring a brace in the league cup tie, the club captain Arteta yet performs properly.
The absence of the duo might force Arsene Wenger to field both Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey in a retreating role at the central midfield.
Arsenal takes on Olympiakos in a vital Champions League clash on Tuesday night.
Ahead of the match, Wenger informed: “Coquelin is back training, but we will see. Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are not available.”
The French manager suggested that both the teams will fight it hard on the pitch. He added: “Both teams will always try to go forward. At home, teams try to regroup and you have to be clinical.”
Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also was at the press conference and he spoke about several issues.
Chamberlain said regarding Saturday’s emphatic win: “Alexis Sanchez got off the mark and Theo Walcott was brilliant.
“Sanchez is one of the most passionate players I know. I look and learn from him.”
On Francis Coquelin he opined: “He has always been an amazing player. He has a great attitude.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to make his debut in the Champions League this season. Before the match he further said: “It is a nice memory to look back on. It gave me motivation and hunger.”
Arsenal who lost their first game against minnows Dinamo Zagreb will look forward to registering full three points at home to go up in the group. Olympiakos are unbeaten at the moment in the Greek league.