Wenger speaks on replacing the injured Mustafi

Arsene Wenger has backed his team to deal with the absence of Shkodran Mustafi manfully as the season reaches a vital stage.

Arsenal are yet to lose a game which the German international has featured in this season, going 14 games unbeaten in the Premier League.

However, Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Stoke City saw Mustafi limp off with a hamstring injury during the first half of the affair.

Many have suggested that having Mustafi out of action could derail the Gunners’ hopes of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

But Wenger insists the availability of Rob Holding and Gabriel will be enough to replace the World Cup winner for the next month.

“It is a challenge, because we had a good defensive stability but we have Gabriel, we have Holding, who can come in for him.” Wenger said at his press-conference

“Overall, I am confident that both can do well, but that’s one of the tests we have. We have had many tests since the start of the season, players like Cazorla who have suddenly moved out of the team and we have managed to deal with it and that’s another challenge.”