Arsene Wenger has confirmed Nacho Monreal will miss Thursday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City due to a back injury picked up in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat.
The 32-year-old has been one of the few silver linings this season, being a standout performer at the back and contributing six goals for his troubles. Monreal has made 23 Premier League appearances, switching between left-back and centre-back, but could now miss Arsenal’s next four games.
Wenger says Monreal is "out for Thursday and Sunday. He might be out for two more: Milan and maybe one more." Wenger says injury is an inflamed back.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) February 28, 2018
Arsenal’s next four games
- 1/3/18 (Premier League) Arsenal v Manchester City
- 4/3/18 (Premier League) Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal
- 8/3/18 (Champions League) AC Milan v Arsenal
- 11/3/18 (Premier League) Arsenal v Watford
Missing March’s trip to the San Siro will be a big blow to Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Europa League, but he should return in time for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Signed from Malaga in 2013, Monreal has been a fantastic servant for the Gunners, making more than 200 appearances in all competitions. He’s out of contract in less than 18 months, however, which hints that his time is London is coming to an end.
Nevertheless, the Spanish international has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season, keeping summer signing Sead Kolasinac out of the side at times and keeping the Gunners in games too.
