Arsenal could have a few fitness concerns ahead of the Manchester United clash, but Mikel Arteta will name a strong lineup on Wednesday.
Arsenal are set to host the blockbuster clash of the midweek fixtures in the Premier League as they host Manchester United at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta might have a few selection dilemmas as he looks to maintain the current three-game winning run in all competitions, as there are a few fitness concerns.
There were a few queries about those during Arteta’s pre-match press conference, as the Gunners boss provided a vague update on the same. He also spoke about some of his performing stars like Bukayo Saka, and all eyes will be on his lineup for the Manchester United clash.
On the injury front, Arteta was coy about the availability of some stars who were missing for the West Ham trip, including Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino. Riccardo Calafiori was also withdrawn early in the second half and the same with Gabriel Magalhaes, but there is an expectation that the defensive duo could be fit.
Arteta said, “We’re going to have a meeting this afternoon. We have done a training session, we have monitored and kept a few away from certain activities, and after that meeting, we will decide if everyone is fit and available and who will start.”
Meanwhile, Arteta was also asked about Bukayo Saka after the winger’s three brilliant performances since the end of the international break. He has scored and assisted in all three of those clash, and was scintillating at the weekend against West Ham.
On Saka, Arteta said, “Yeah, in terms of the numbers, yes [we’ve noticed a shift]. But we always see a shift in Bukayo. Every single year, he’s providing something else, he’s adding things to his game, he’s more and more consistent.”
“And as you mentioned now, his numbers in terms of impact in goals and assists is incredible at this stage of decision. He can only improve, he can only get better. He has the right players around him as well to continue to do so, and especially because he wants more.”
In terms of selections, Arteta is likely to retain the same back four, including Gabriel Magalhaes and Calafiori, as those early withdrawals might have been merely precautionary. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are the other players in the back four, as the manager will want a tight defensive unit at the back.
Jorginho played the entire ninety minutes against West Ham United and might have to do so again if Thomas Partey is deemed unfit. The Ghanaian international is expected to return for the Manchester United clash as his problem is considered minor.
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are expected to keep their places in the midfield, while Gabriel Martinelli is set to return to the starting lineup in place of Leandro Trossard. Saka will start again on the right-hand side of the attack, with Kai Havertz leading the line for Arsenal.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli