According to a report by the Evening Standard, Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is a significant doubt for their game against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday. The Uruguayan talent suffered a knock while away on international duty which has put a huge question mark on his availability this weekend. Torreira was substituted at half-time after he picked up a calf problem and spent the entire second half on the sidelines with an ice pack on his left calf.
With Unai Emery sweating on the Uruguayan’s fitness ahead of the clash versus the Magpies, here are three adjustments he could make to his team to accommodate the possible absence of Torreira on Saturday.
Opt To Bring In Mohamed Elneny
Emery could consider giving Mohamed Elneny a rare runout in his starting XI. The Egyptian international has been on the fringes for the Gunners since Emery’s arrival earlier this summer, so it’s high time he got a chance to prove his worth once again wearing an Arsenal shirt. He is precisely the type of player who can provide some stern resistance in midfield which could help the North Londoners come away with a positive result from St. James’ Park in the upcoming gameweek.
Change His Team’s Formation
The Gunners boss could also look to change his formation and take a more attacking approach by playing two strikers up top in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. However, that could leave their defence exposed against a well-drilled Rafael Benitez side who could pose a significant attacking threat in front of their home supporters.
Another way to address the absence of Torreira would be to play three at the back so that there is enough cover in the Gunners defence, but that could also mean playing with wingbacks and being exposed in the wide areas.
Stick With The Same Midfield Combination
Emery has favoured the midfield combination of Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi so far this season. Hence, there is no reason why he would not opt for the same midfield pair once again on Saturday. Although, both players had their fair share of struggles while on the pitch which is why a player of Torreira’s quality would be a big miss for the Gunners this weekend.
