Girona could lose ex-Premier League duo for Arsenal clash

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Girona could be without former Premier League duo Paulo Gazzaniga and Daley Blind for Wednesday’s game against Arsenal, according to a report.

La Vanguardia report that Girona boss Michel has suggested that Paulo Gazzaniga and Daley Blind will probably not be involved in the Champions League clash against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Gazzaniga is suffering with lower-back pain, whilst Blind has a muscle injury. In principle, the injury isn’t considered serious enough to keep Blind out of Girona’s upcoming games, but further medical tests are required.

If there’s any doubt about the two players, Girona may opt not to risk them, particularly given they’ve already been eliminated from the Champions League.

With a game to go, Girona sit 31st in the Champions League table with just three points from seven games. Those points all came from a win over Slovan Bratislava on Matchday 3.

VfB Stuttgart are the closest team currently sitting in a play-off place, and they’re seven points ahead. Girona’s best-possible finish is 28th.

Gazzaniga and Blind might have some personal motivation to face Arsenal though, having played for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United respectively. Not to mention that they currently play for Manchester City’s sister club.

Girona’s other key injury concern is left-back Miguel Gutierrez, who has been linked with a transfer to Arsenal in the past. The 23-year-old has missed their last three games, and he’s a doubt for Wednesday’s fixture.

Centre-back Ladislav Krejci was absent for Girona’s game at the weekend, so there’s also a little uncertainty there. The rest of the squad should be available.