North London Derby Arsenal Team News: Ospina maybe in, Monreal okay

The injury to Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper Petr Cech forced David Ospina into some of his first Premier League action this season but, today, Arsene Wenger went against early speculation that it would continue at Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend:

We had a few problems with Petr Cech, who we are not sure about at the moment because he’s not trained. I don’t know if he will be available... I will not take any risk if [Cech]’s not 100 per cent fit, for sure, because I have full confidence in David Ospina.

I have no problem with [selecting Ospina]. David Ospina or Petr Cech: I will make that decision tomorrow.

Big boss is keeping us guessing. Despite his dip in performance, fans would clearly be happy to have Cech back in over Ospina who tends to either be solid or wildly inconsistent in his play, but never quite spectacular. Either way, both will likely look to the men in front of them to limit the quality chances against a potent Spurs side.

To that end, Wenger offered some positive news:

Basically, we should have a similar squad to what we had last week against Everton. Maybe Danny Welbeck will be back... Nacho Monreal looks alright again. It should be a similar squad.

No, not Danny, although having Welbeck fit will be a boon to the Europa League games. Nacho Monreal has been one of Arsenal’s brighter stars this season and with him set for the squad, the defense will be all the stronger for it. In the end, mostly fit for Arsenal and set to field a strong side at Wembley, their home away from home.