While many focus on Theo Walcott, the secret weapon whose been anything but a secret (for years now), the quick return of Samir Nasri has been surprisingly under-discussed. While Nasri was the protagonist of much English Premier League content in late fall, his quick return from a hamstring injury (suffered ten days ago) that was supposed to keep him out three-to-four weeks has been overlooked. You would think, particularly with center half Carles Puyol out for Barcelona, the fitness of one of Arsenal's key attackers would be a major story line.
Arsenal Vs. Barcelona: Samir Nasri Surprised By Own Recovery, Set To Help Against Puyol-Less Defense
Instead, we have a lot of slack-jawed coverage of the match-up’s potential beauty, write-ups that embrace the clubs’ aesthetics rather than expound upon fitness-centric storylines. Given that focus, perhaps Nasri’s recovery has taken us by surprise, leaving us unprepared to offer an opinion. It would be a reasonable excuse, considering the speed at which he’s healed also shocked the player.
Speaking to L’Equipe (in quotes translated by Sky Sports), Nasri says his health is no longer an issue. How much he plays is up to Arsène Wenger.
”Clinically, I am cured. If there was a single risk, I would not take it, even against Barcelona.
“I am capable to be in the starting XI. Then, it is up to the coach.”
The last sentence is disappointing, though translations between languages often convey an unintended tone. Yet it’s difficult not to read into the quote and see that Wenger may not be convinced that his star attacker is ready to play.
If Nasri doesn't play, Arsenal will be forgoing one of their few opportunities to take an advantage back to Spain. With Carles Puyol out of Barça's central defense (the captain suffering with a leg injury that kept him from traveling), Gabriel Milito is set to start. It's unlikely that the Argentine will be able to have the same stabilizing effect on the defense, serving as an anchor while the more athletic and more ranging Gerard Piquè is allowed freedom.
Even if Piqué compensates and plays more conservatively, Barcelona's style still sees their center halves isolated, with fullbacks often functioning as wing backs, leaving the defenders and Sergio Busquets to destroy counterattacks. If Nasir's speed, vision and edge were in the team, Arsenal would be better equipped to exploit this tendency, possibly taking advantage of Milito.
Beyond counterattacks, Arsenal’s passing came at the edge of the opponent’s area makes then particularly adept at exploiting weaknesses in defensive midfield and central defense. In that way (amongst many others), they are like Barcelona, not afraid to test the core of your back line. Barcelona, even with Milito, will have a quality trio around the arc, but without Puyol, it will be unquestionably weakened.
But if Wenger doesn't think Nasri is able to go, Arsenal will have to hope Andrei Arshavin can recapture some of his early-tenure form. Then, Arshavin could have the same impact Nasri has now. If Arshavin is chosen over Nasri, he'll merely need one good shift. Come time to play at the Nou Camp, Nasri should be fully healthy.
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