Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have received a significant boost ahead of their Premier League clash with new boys Ipswich Town. Manager Kieran McKenna is weighing his options to replace suspended captain Sam Morsy for Friday night’s fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Morsy, a key figure in Ipswich’s midfield, will serve a one-game ban after receiving his fifth booking of the season during Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat to Newcastle United.
The 32-year-old midfielder has been a mainstay for Ipswich this season, starting 16 of their 17 Premier League matches and playing all but five minutes in those appearances. His absence presents a significant challenge for McKenna, who will need to reconfigure his midfield for the trip to North London.
READ MORE: 21-year-old promising defender reveals he has a soft spot for Arsenal
“We’ve got a couple of options, which you need,” McKenna said when asked about his plans to partner Jens Cajuste in midfield. “Massimo (Luongo) has been ill over the last week or two, so we’ll have to assess how he is.
Sam Morsy - Arsenal v Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy (Image credit: Getty Images)
“It was good to get Kalvin (Phillips) on the pitch during the second half of the Newcastle game. That was important. He’s still working his way back. He had a better week with his ankle, didn’t feel anything from the game, and trained well today (Christmas Eve). ‘100%’ will come after he’s had a few more games under his belt, but his ankle issue is much better.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW.ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“Jack (Taylor) had a good game against Bournemouth. Neither are necessarily like-for-like replacements for Sam, but they can hopefully bring their own strengths to the team.”
McKenna will be buoyed by the return of Ipswich’s top scorer, Liam Delap, who has served his one-game suspension and is available for selection on Friday. However, Ipswich will travel to Arsenal without Chiedozie Ogbene, George Hirst, Janoi Donacien, and Axel Tuanzebe, all sidelined with injuries.
Arsenal will also face the game with notable absentees. Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling are unavailable due to injuries, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain long-term absentees.
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal offered opportunity to sign top-class forward on loan