Luiz out of Dundalk tie and ‘big doubt’ for Premier League clash with Man United

David Luiz is out of Arsenal’s game against Dundalk in the Europa League and is a big doubt for Sunday’s match against Manchester United due to injury. Mikel Arteta said this in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Gunners’ game against Dundalk. 

On Luiz, Arteta said:

“There is no chance he will play against Dundalk. There is a big doubt for him to play at the weekend too.”

The Brazilian has started the North London side’s last four Premier League games and has been an ever present in the side ever since signing for the club last summer. He has come in for a fair share of criticism during his time at Arsenal but has been one of the pillars of a side that has become more defensively resolute in recent times. 

He started the game against Leicester last week and his long passing was central to the chances created by Arsenal in the first half of that game. He had to be substituted early in the second half due to an injury and the lack of attacking impetus in the side after his departure was clear as day. 

Mikel Arteta will hope that the 33 year old wins his fitness battle and is passed fit to play ahead of the club’s visit to Old Trafford this weekend. He divides opinion but there is no doubt that he adds a lot to this Arsenal side and will give them more of a chance of coming out on top this weekend. 

If he fails to recover, another divisive figure, Skhodran Mustafi, is likely to take his place in the side. The German has enjoyed a renaissance under Arteta but does not offer as much on the ball as the former Chelsea defender.