By Brian Bariyo Tumuramye
Rob Holding could make his first appearance for the Gunners since December as Arsenal gear up for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.
The centre-back, who has played several times for the under-23s since the start of the season, was included in the travelling party for the match with Frankfurt last week and even though he didn’t make the bench, will have been happy for a taste of the match day vibe.
With David Luiz and Sokratis playing 90 minutes against Aston Villa on Sunday and Ainsley Maitland-Niles suspended after his red card, it’s likely that Calum Chambers will play right-back meaning Holding could play alongside Shkodran Mustafi in the centre of defence. Failing that, he could get a run out off the bench.
Tuesday’s clash with Forest is likely to come too soon for Dinos Mavropanos, Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin, although all three are training with the first team. According to the latest medical bulletin, Alex Lacazette remains the only other first team player on the sidelines. He’s not expected to feature until after the October Interlull.
Emery should make wholesale changes tomorrow night with Mesut Ozil, Gabriel Martinelli, Reiss Nelson, Tyreece John-Jules, Emile Smith Rowe, and Robbie Burton all pushing for inclusion.
Unfortunately, it looks like we won’t be treated to a reunion with Carl Jenkinson. The right-back moved to the City Ground in the summer but he suffered an ankle injury a couple of weeks ago and is sidelined.
