At a Glance:
Arsenal will be without Ben White for the Champions League final.
Jurrien Timber is fighting to be fit for this European showdown.
Mikel Arteta has hinted at what he might do without his two first-choice right-backs.
Arsenal will be without Ben White for the Champions League final, while Jurrien Timber may not be ready in time for the clash with Paris Saint-Germain, and Mikel Arteta is subsequently exploring alternative right-back options.
White was forced off the pitch after just 28 minutes against West Ham on Sunday, with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. These initial fears were validated on Tuesday when it was confirmed that the England defender would miss the rest of the season and possibly the World Cup.
This setback was compounded by the ongoing issues regarding Timber’s fitness. The Dutchman could play in the Champions League final, although it’s a race against time for him to be ready for this monumental European showdown.
This situation has given Arteta a selection headache, and it’s seemingly one he’s set to embrace.
Mikel Arteta reveals what he’s thinking about Arsenal’s right-back situation
Cristhian Mosquera started at right-back against both Sporting CP and Manchester City back in April and performed admirably in this unnatural role. The Spaniard has also replaced White in this position during matches and looked relatively comfortable in the process.
This makes him the obvious choice to start against Burnley, Crystal Palace and in the Champions League final if Timber isn’t ready. Unsurprisingly, Arteta was quizzed on the right-back dilemma he’s facing in his press conference on Thursday morning.
“We need to look at alternatives,” he said.
“The two players that we have there are not available at the moment. We need to look and do something else. The good thing is that we have experienced that all over the pitch this season.
“When we had issues, normally, they’ve been in the same positions as well. We have managed to find the right level of performance and consistency. I’m sure we will do that.”
Arteta is right; Arsenal have adapted to numerous injury issues throughout the season, consistently finding new ways to deal with a pile-up of fitness problems in certain positions. Mikel Merino has been used up front, Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield, and Timber at left-back.
The head coach is used to having to find unconventional ways to cope with injuries, and he’s generally been successful at doing so.
Mikel Arteta’s comments hint at someone other than Cristhian Mosquera at right-back
While Mosquera might be the obvious choice, he’s not the interesting one. The 21-year-old is an excellent defender, but what he’s able to offer Arsenal in build-up and in the final third won’t come close to what Timber and White provide in this aspect.
He can also be exposed when isolated in wide areas against tricky wingers, and against Paris Saint-Germain with Khvicha Kvaraksthelia down that side, Arteta would be forgiven for looking at alternatives.
Fortunately for Gunners supporters, the way the divisive tactician framed his answer to the question about the right-back position does indicate that he might be prepared to look at unconventional options. He said that they ‘need to do something else’, and given Mosquera has been used at right-back several times, he might be hinting at completely different personnel.
Piero Hincapie could be a viable alternative, particularly against PSG, given his expertise in one-on-one situations. Riccardo Calafiori is also an option, having played on the right in a couple of games last season.