Arsenal Coach Rules Out Fielding Nigerian Defender As Emergency Left-Back Vs Chelsea

Published: August 16, 2018

Nigerian defender Tolaji Bola will not be considered for the left-back role when Arsenal take on Chelsea in the English Premier League on Saturday, manager Unai Emery has stated.

Ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge, the Gunners are facing a defensive crisis at left-back, with Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the sidelines due to injury, while Spaniard Nacho Monreal's fitness is not up to scratch.

Speculation that Arsenal U23s first-choice left-back, Tolaji Bola, will be considered has ended after Emery revealed the names of two players in contention for the role against The Blues.

''The first injury with Kolasinac was important because I think he was playing well in pre-season. But we needed to play with another player like Ainsley [once Kolasinac was injured]. His performance can improve, he can get better in his career in the team,'' said Emery to arsenal.com.

''Maybe not especially at left back, but he was playing well in the first 25 minutes on Sunday. After this injury, I tried with Lichtsteiner, who is a player with experience. He can play at left back but his position in the team is more at right back.

''This week Nacho Monreal is working every day, training every day with us. The two options we have now are Nacho Monreal and Lichtsteiner to continue in this position.''

Tolaji Bola, who penned a new deal with Arsenal this summer, has yet to make his first team debut and has been playing for the U23 team since the 2016-2017 campaign.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com