Unai Emery admits he has had to help his players recover their confidence after consecutive defeats hit Arsenal’s Champions League qualifying hopes.
The Gunners endured a surprise 3-2 home defeat against Crystal Palace last weekend before a 3-1 reverse at Wolves on Wednesday. Another tricky trip lies ahead with a game at Leicester on Sunday and Emery conceded he has had to lift his squad before the visit to the King Power Stadium.
“The first target is to recover our confidence,” he said. “We can build on this confidence each minute, each hour, each day, each week – and above all we’re training and we’re looking for a big performance for the three points. Individually for Sunday the first target is to think in our capacity and be consistent defensively and offensively. We need to adapt to them, but I think both are very important. We need to prepare ourselves and also adapt for them.”
Arsenal’s chances of gaining a positive result could be boosted by the return of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon striker missed the defeat at Wolves after undergoing a small sinus procedure. Emery is unsure if he will be available but is hopeful he will train on the eve of the game and push to be involved. “He trained today and if he can train tomorrow I think we can think he’s ready for Sunday.”
The Barcelona loanee Denis Suárez will have a groin injury assessed and Aaron Ramsey will again miss out with a hamstring problem.