Confirmed: This is the reason why Arsenal regular was omitted against Tottenham

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Published on:

05 Mar 2016, 7:56 am

By Arsenal correspondent Tony Hughes

Nacho Monreal was omitted from the Arsenal team for Saturday's clash against Tottenham due to a calf injury.

The Gunners' regular left-back dropped to the substitute's bench at White Hart Lane and was replaced in the starting X1 by Kieran Gibbs.

The England international was making only his third Premier League start of the season after losing his place to Monreal.

He was one of four changes made by manager Arsene Wenger following the midweek defeat to Swansea, with Mohamed Elneny, David Ospina and Danny Welbeck also included in the starting X1.

Speaking to BT Sport before kick-off, Wenger said: "I can't remember [a more significant North London derby.

"In front of goal we lacked a little bit of confidence [in recent games] but we can still play very well so we want to focus on giving absolutely everything to win [today].

"[Changes?] We play every three games at the moment, we have some knocks like Nacho Monreal who is not 100% so you try to freshen up. He has a slight calf problem."

Arsenal took a first-half lead at White Hart Lane, with an audacious Aaron Ramsey flick giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage at the break.

In other Arsenal news, Santi Cazorla has revealed when he expects to return from injury.

Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur

Nacho Monreal