Arsenal team news: Henrikh Mkhitaryan set for debut against Swansea

The Armenian international joined from Manchester United in exchange for Alexis Sanchez last week and is expected to feature at the Liberty Stadium

Monday 29 January 2018 10:22 GMT
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to make his first appearance for the Gunners on Tuesday
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to make his first appearance for the Gunners on Tuesday

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to make his Arsenal debut in Tuesday night's Premier League clash at Swansea.

The Armenian international joined from Manchester United in exchange for Alexis Sanchez last week and is expected to feature at the Liberty Stadium.

Mkhitaryan is able to play in a number of positions with Wenger likely to use him in a number of roles before deciding how best to utilise his latest addition.

“I think Mkhitaryan can play in all positions in midfield,” Arsene Wenger said on Friday. “In a box to box role, certainly not a defensive role or as a holding player, but all the other positions are not out of reach.

“Until now he has played in a wide role but he can certainly absorb that role in a kind of winge r or playmaker. I don’t rule it out for him to become a box to box player.”

Mkhitaryan was relegated to the fringes at Old Trafford by Jose Mourinho and lacks match fitness, but Wenger said he has settled into life at the club well.

“We can see straight away he is a great player, what we knew before we got him,” Wenger said. “After that we will know more about him after two-three days as we have some good days to prepare.

“We will know the best possible position for him and how to integrate him with the way we want to play. It does not look like there will be any problem.

“I haven't decided [if Mkhitaryan plays on Tuesday] yet. I will decide on Monday. He is available like everyone else.”

Wenger is excited to see what Mkhitaryan can add to his side 

The Gunners are also boosted by the return of Olivier Giroud following a hamstring injury but fellow forward Danny Welbeck (hip) is still missing, as is Santi Cazorla (Achilles).

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