On the heels of the news that Samir Nasri has asked not to be included in the squad comes the even grimmer one of Jack Wilshere being declared unfit for the crucial Udinese second leg playoffs.
Nasri’s request comes after Roberto Mancini expressed his concern he would consider pulling the plug on a transfer deal if the French midfielder was made cup tied. The board probably put out a memo to Arsene Wenger that this was bad business. At least there was some hope that Wilshere would make this trip because it does not take too much to realize how much is at stake if Arsenal fail to progress in the Champions League.
By now Udinese are sharks smelling a mortally wounded prey. The midfield is lightweight without Wilshere and the defense wears a makeshift look with Johan Djourou an injury doubt which could mean Ignasi Miquel might get his second start. Sebastian Squillaci has not come off the bench which means he’s picked up an injury or worse, lost his coach’s confidence.