5 Coquelin replacements Arsenal have in their squad

Arsenal were rocked today with confirmation that Francis Coquelin will be out for at least two months, handing a huge blow to the Gunners, but there’s already replacements within the squad.

Many have identified that Arsenal need to strengthen in this area in January but the fact of the matter is Arsenal have crucial games before the window opens, which means a replacement is needed immediately.

Fortunately, Arsene Wenger’s options are not as limited as those on social media will have you believe and the fact of the matter is Arsenal have a number of players capable of coming into the side to replace Coquelin in his absence.

These aren’t stop-gaps either, as all the players we have highlighted are experienced and extremely capable- so fear not, you can stop all the worrying.

We’re keen to know who you’d play in the midfield in Coquelin’s absence, so make sure you let us know in the comment section!

Hit Coquelin below to see FIVE players who can replace him during his injury absence!

Aaron Ramsey

Playing a deeper-role alongside Santi Cazorla is a different area to where we’ve become accustomed to seeing Aaron Ramsey but there’s no doubt that the Welshman’s future lies in the middle of the field. In fact, it could be said that it’s Francis Coquelin’s stellar displays that have meant Ramsey has had to be utilised out wide!

Ramsey isn’t a natural right-winger and may thrive once again in a central role, where he would see more of the ball and have more involvement in the game. It was also centrally where Ramsey enjoyed his fantastic goalscoring season a few years back, so there’s hope he may be able to provide similar support.

Alongside Cazorla, Arsenal would have two dynamic midfielders with an eye for goal and extremely capable of keeping possession.

Mathieu Flamini

The likely man-for-man replacement for Francis Coquelin is experienced midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who may be favoured due to his responsible approach to games and desire to defend. It’s that reluctance to go forward that may see him given the chance.

However, when necessary, Flamini does have an effect in attacking areas- just ask Spurs fans! He’s unlikely to have the legs to play every game during Coquelin’s absence due to his age, and the fact that game come thick and fast in the coming months, but he’s certainly capable cover.

Calum Chambers

Eyebrows were raised in today’s press conference when Arsene Wenger suggested that Calum Chambers could be utilised in a defensive midfield role but it’s not a major surprise. With Laurent Koscielny, Gabriel Paulista, Per Mertesacker, Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Debuchy competing for his spots in defence, it makes sense for Chambers to be educating himself in another role.

Defensive midfield may not be the long-term area for Chambers in his career but the experience in the role may prove to be vital. It gives him less pressure, with defenders behind him, whilst it should also improve on his abilities on the ball.

Coquelin’s rise to prominence last season seemed to come out of nowhere, perhaps we will see similar from Chambers here?

Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere will hopefully be back before the festive season and his return will be a welcome boost. With experience playing in a deeper midfield role for England, Wilshere could be the go-to man in this area upon his return.

With a no-nonsense attitude and not being afraid to get stuck into challenges, Wilshere could thrive in this role. He’s also calm and asserted on the ball, which would make him an excellent partner for Santi Cazorla, and has an impact going forward.

His relationship with Cazorla would need to be built to ensure that both do not attack at the same time, leaving the defence vulnerable, but that’s something that can be worked on in training.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The most unlikely option to cover Francis Coquelin is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but it shows Arsenal’s depth that he can feature here. Oxlade-Chamberlain has made clear his desire to play in central midfield and, although favouring a more attacking role, this could be a valuable experience for him.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has the build to ensure he doesn’t get muscled out of possession and although there’s concerns about his ability under pressure, that will improve with more game-time. Not a long-term position for Oxlade-Chamberlain but he may be able to do a job when called upon.

With four potential replacements ahead of him for Coquelin though, we sincerely hope our squad doesn’t become thin enough to force Oxlade-Chamberlain into this role.