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Arsene Wenger identifies ideal replacement for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at Arsenal
ARSENE WENGER sees Hector Bellerin as the perfect straight swap for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Arsenal's season draws to a close.
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The Spanish full-back has lost his place in the Gunners' starting XI of late since Wenger changed formation.
Arsenal have successfully adopted a 3-4-2-1 system recently, with Oxlade-Chamberlain the manager's preferred option at right wing-back.
However, the Liverpool target pulled up with a hamstring injury at Southampton in the Gunners' 2-0 win on Wednesday night.
Hector Bellerin can fill the void at right wing-back for Arsenal
As a result, the 23-year-old is set to miss Arsenal's final three Premier League games and is a doubt for the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
But Arsene Wenger is not overly concerned due as fit-again Bellerin can fill in, with a start expected at Stoke on Saturday (5.30pm).
“Yes he is [a natural replacement], he is an offensive player,” Wenger said.
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[Bellerin] started as a right midfielder and we transformed him into a full-back
“He started as a right midfielder and we transformed him into a full-back.
"Bellerin is quite fresh [too]."
Arsenal's push for Champions League qualification is back on, with Bellerin set to come in for their matches against Stoke, Sunderland and Everton.
Meanwhile, Oxlade-Chamberlain could have played his last game for Arsenal, with Liverpool reportedly keen on a £25million switch this summer.
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