Arsenal could be handed quadruple player boost with AFCON postponement

Arsenal could be handed a quadruple player boost in January with the potential postponement of the African Cup of Nations scheduled to begin on January 9.

The Gunners currently have four players in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, who are likely to take part in the tournament.

However, there are now claims that the continental showpiece could be indefinitely postponed amid fears of the spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus across the world.

According to Egyptian journalist Ismael Mahmoud via the Sunday Mirror’s David Lynch, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are likely to push back the tournament for a second time.

Discussions are taking place over potential compensation for host country Cameroon.

Our view:

At the start of the campaign, Aubameyang and Pepe were undisputed starters under Mikel Arteta, but the scenario has completely changed as we head into the New Year.

Aubameyang was recently stripped of captaincy for another disciplinary breach and it has been confirmed that he won’t play any part against West Ham United.

Meanwhile, Pepe has gone completely out-of-favour in recent months, and he has been a regular unused substitute under Arteta since the beginning of November.

Despite this, the attacking duo remain key figures in the first-team squad, and losing them would have a drastic impact on the team in January, suppose an injury crisis beckons.

Elsewhere, Partey remains a guaranteed starter in midfield when fit despite his indifferent form. Elneny has been a handy option for Arteta when he has looked to rotate.

With the fixtures coming thick and fast at the turn of the year, the Gunners should welcome the potential postponement of the African Cup of Nations.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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