Henrikh Mkhitaryan suffered an knee ligament injury and it looks like he will serve sidelines for a lengthy spell. Mkhitaryan has been influential for the Gunners since joining them in January. He has provided 6 assists and scored 2 goals for Arsenal in 12 appearances. Mkhitaryan have also won Arsenal’s player of the month in his first two full months at Emirates.
It will certainly be a huge blow for Arsene Wenger, keeping in mind the part Mkhitaryan was destined to play in Arsenal’s Europa League triumph.
With Henrikh Mkhitaryan out injured, it looks like Alex Iwobi will replace him in Arsenal’s starting XI. Its already three years since Iwobi came into first team setup for Arsenal and have some concrete experience to don the void left by Henrikh. Iwboi has enough confidence and ability to step-up and make the difference. He is someone who can dribble past opponents defence and can play and influential role cutting in from the flanks. Arsenal supporters in alibi of his performances call him The Nigerian Messi.
ALSO READ: When is Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid – Europa League Semi Finals?
This period will be vital for Alex Iwobi and his road to regular spot. Uptill now, he has put up performances at regular intervals and now he has to make sure he can give them time-in-time-out.
If Alex performs well before Mkhitaryan returns, he have a opportunity to cement his spot in the squad at the start of next season. If he fails to perform, then the road into this star-studded eleven will prove difficult for him. He may even be loaned out to get some regular minutes.
Arsenal even have Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson coming up from the academy and either of them can feature on the flanks. In the Premier League they might have their chances at the moment but on the other side Alex Iwobi needs to put in performances in the Europa League.
