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da betcris： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players’ fitness.
Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira are to be assessed following injuries picked up during the international break, according to journalist Ben Dinnery.
What’s the story?
Both players were involved for their national sides in recent days, with Xhaka featuring for Switzerland against the Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whilst Torreira started for Uruguay against Costa Rica.
However, both were forced off with injuries, and will, therefore, be assessed by Arsenal before this weekend’s fixture against Watford.
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Ozil can take leading role
Losing the two players in the middle of the park will no doubt be a huge loss to Unai Emery. Both started against Tottenham in the north London derby and are experienced figures in the Gunners’ squad, regardless of their performances.
Should they be unable to play, the former Sevilla boss will likely field Dani Ceballos and Matteo Guendouzi in the centre. Whilst they are both accomplished footballers, they lack the experience needed for what could be a tricky fixture against the Hornets.
Step forward Mesut Ozil. The former Germany international may not have had the best time of it in recent months, and his displays have not been what they once were. He is also yet to feature this campaign. However, the former Real Madrid playmaker is 30 and knows his way around at the highest level. He can clearly provide the leadership needed.
If he is not to feature on a regular basis, this is the role that Ozil should start to take up in the Arsenal dressing room. He has played in three different countries and has won the World Cup and La Liga. The lessons he can teach would be invaluable to the likes of Guendouzi, Ceballos and Joe Willock in midfield.
As such, the loss of Xhaka and Torreira will not be felt as strongly if Ozil is brought back into the fold, and he may just be able to show the talent that made him one of the biggest stars on the planet.
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