FA Cup Preview – Arsenal’s injury concerns in the fifth round

Arsenal will likely to avoid a shock upset when they host Middlesbrough in the fifth round tie of FA Cup on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

Transfer window signing Gabriel is likely to make his Gunner debut in defence. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey is out of action for around two weeks with his hamstring injury.

The England international Jack Wilshere could make a come back following a lengthy absence after ankle surgery, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) Mikel Arterta (ankle), Abou Diaby (calf) and Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder) are all still out.

Despite the fact, the north Londoners have won 11 FA Cup finals, while Middlesbrough have won just two of their last 12 FA Cup games against top flight opponents (W2 D3 L7).

Fans are highly desperate for this match because if Arsenal wins, they’re just one win from Wembley. If they don’t win, an ongoing narrative continues..

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “We will not have the excuse to be surprised because they beat Manchester City in a convincing way. That is a good warning for us. We are at home, we have a possibility to go to the quarter-finals so we cannot be surprised by them, that’s for sure. It’s a big challenge, but big opportunity as well. That’s how we have to look at it. We have the luck with the draw to play at the Emirates so let’s take this opportunity.”

This is the eighth time when Arsenal will face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, with the Gunners have won the previous seven and Middlesbrough two.

Arsenal’s key player could be Olivier Giroud, who has scored five goals and provided four assists in his 10 FA Cup appearances.

Wenger’s side have been tipped as favourites to lift the trophy that they claimed last May. Their recent record in the competition looks good stead of progressing, being undefeated in the last eight matches in the FA Cup.