Gunners have defensive problems ahead of Watford trip

Arsenal’s injury crisis has come early this season and it’s the defence which is depleted ahead of their trip to Watford on Saturday.

Centre-back Shkodran Mustafi is facing four to six weeks on the sidelines after the Germany defender suffered a thigh injury during the international break. The 25 year-old, who is not expected to return until November was nearly sold by Arsene Wenger this summer. Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny is also a doubt with an ongoing achilles problem.

Wenger could draft in Calum Chambers or Rob Holding, while veteran Per Mertesacker also lies in wait.

The Gunners boss has admitted he has a big decision to make for Saturday’s tie.

“I am thinking about sorting out the [defensive] problem, but overall I will completely decide what I do tomorrow,” Wenger said (via The Independent)

“Because Koscielny will have a test then. He worked quite hard physically, he looks like he is capable of playing if he survives the test. If he has no pain on his Achilles tendon, he can play. I will decide that tomorrow. At the moment, he’s not available. He trained on his own and the first signs are positive, so we decided to give him a test tomorrow.”

Arsenal’s rampaging left-back Sead Kolasinac could also miss the Watford game. The Bosnian has returned from international duty with a minor hip problem – he’s set to be tested today.

Gooners, how would you line up the defence? Comment with your backline below…