Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with significant selection challenges ahead of their Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk, just days before a crucial Premier League title showdown with Liverpool. The Gunners are looking to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season against Bournemouth, and they could welcome the return of key players from injury.
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Thomas Partey, all of whom recently overcame minor knocks, featured in the match at Bournemouth. Ben White also made his first start in four weeks after recovering from a groin issue. However, Arsenal remain without several key players, including Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and captain Martin Odegaard, all sidelined through injury.
Arteta provided an update on the trio during his pre-match press conference, with his comments offering some optimism. “They [Saka and Odegaard] are closer and they’re both progressing really well,” he noted. “Martin is still not fit. With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and the transition that we have later on.”
As for Timber, Arteta expressed hope for his return but emphasized that Timber has yet to train with the entire squad. “I think he’s going to be close. We have to see how he deals with training with the whole group,” Arteta said. Despite the positive outlook, neither Saka nor Timber were present in Tuesday’s training session, making their participation unlikely, especially with the high-stakes Liverpool clash looming.
In addition to Saka and Timber, defender Takehiro Tomiyasu and left-back Kieran Tierney are also doubtful for the upcoming European match, leaving Arteta with limited options. Arsenal’s lack of creativity in the recent Bournemouth loss has raised concerns, and Arteta will need to find solutions to improve their attacking output.
One potential option is 17-year-old rising star Ethan Nwaneri, with many Arsenal fans calling for the young midfielder to be included in the starting lineup. However, Arteta signaled caution when it comes to giving Nwaneri more game time. “I think it’s identifying moments, understanding where he is, where the team is, and what is the optimal moment to throw a player in that context,” Arteta said. “Let’s take it step by step and make sure those steps are consistent and can allow him to grow.”
With injuries impacting key players, Arteta will have to work with a limited squad for tonight’s match at the Emirates Stadium. Here is the expected 23-man squad for the Champions League clash:
Goalkeepers: David Raya, Neto, Tommy Setford
Defenders: William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Maldini Kacurri, Josh Robinson
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Forwards: Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji
Arteta will hope to guide his team to victory in Europe, while keeping an eye on the pivotal title clash with Liverpool at the weekend.
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