Arsenal goal keeper Petr Cech is out of the upcoming North London Derby due to a hamstring issue he picked up in Wednesday’s loss to Swansea.
With Leicester City only drawing on Tuesday to West Bromwich Albion, this was Arsenal’s chance to gain some ground on the league leaders as the Premier League title race hots up. The Gunners were unable to do so, and in a rather terrible game, lost 2-1 at home to Swansea after going 1-0 up. Unfortunately for Arsenal, that is not the only bad news from Wednesday’s game. Star goal keeper Petr Cech injured his hamstring and will now be out for the weekend’s crucial North London Derby.
Wenger: "Cech got a muscular problem at the end of the game. He will not play on Saturday. I have full faith in Ospina." #AFCvSCFC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 2, 2016
Petr Cech has been Arsenal’s best player not named Mesut Ozil so far this year. His performances between the sticks have been phenomenal all year long and he has gained the Gunners points on multiple occasions. He will, though, not be able to perform such heroics on Saturday, as after the loss to Swansea, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed that a hamstring issue would keep the Czech international out of the North London Derby.
The upcoming match against Spurs is the one of the most important North London Derbies in history, and having a fully fit squad will be crucial. Wenger will now turn to David Ospina, who is a more than capable back up, in the hope that he can use some of Cech’s magical performances this season as inspiration.
It was a rough night on Wednesday for Gunners’ fans, and Cech’s injury will only dampen the mood. However, they are not out of the title race just yet, but they must win on Saturday, and they must do it without their number one.