Mikel Arteta may opt to field a rotated lineup when Arsenal face Atalanta this evening, with a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City looming on Sunday.
The Gunners are in Bergamo for their first game in the revamped Champions League. The new format offers teams some leeway, making an opening loss less damaging than in previous seasons. While Arteta will be eager for a positive start in Europe, most fans are focused on the high-stakes encounter with the defending champions later this week.
Injuries have left Arteta with little choice but to rely on some of his squad players against the Serie A side. Ahead of the match, six players from Arsenal’s 23-man UEFA A-list were listed as injured, as confirmed by UEFA before the pre-match press conference.
This includes midfield star Martin Odegaard, who is facing an extended absence due to a “significant” ankle injury, according to Arteta. New signings Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori are also on the injury list, although Calafiori has returned to training and could make an appearance off the bench.
Bukayo Saka, who limped off during last Sunday’s win over Tottenham, might be rested despite Arteta declaring him fit to play. With Sunday’s match against Manchester City on the horizon, it’s unlikely the manager will take unnecessary risks.
David Raya is set to continue in goal, with first-choice center-backs William Saliba and Gabriel expected to anchor the defense, supported by Ben White and Jurrien Timber on the flanks. In midfield, Declan Rice is available for selection and could line up alongside Jorginho, who addressed the media at the pre-match press conference, and Thomas Partey.
Kai Havertz might be given a break, paving the way for Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling to join Leandro Trossard in the starting XI.
As for Atalanta, they will be missing former Everton defender Ben Godfrey and ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca due to injuries. However, former Arsenal player Sead Kolasinac is expected to feature on the left side of their defense.
Predicted Arsenal Starting XI vs. Atalanta: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Rice; Sterling, Jesus, Trossard.
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