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Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Monaco - Champions League

We've yet to enter the realm of permutations, but Arsenal can take a big leap towards the round of 16 by beating Monaco on Wednesday.

Adi Hutter's side represent the Gunners' toughest test from their remaining Champions League league phase fixtures, with duels against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona taking place in Janaury.

However, their challenge has been made harder by a worsening injury crisis in defence. There were a number of absentees from training on Tuesday, and the boss doesn't hold out much hope for the returns of many faces on Wednesday night.

Here's how the Gunners could line up under the Emirates lights for Monaco's visit.

Kieran Tierney

Goalkeepers & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - Raya has been excellent this season and stout in this competition, conceding just twice. Two of his three Champions League clean sheets this term have come on home soil.

Thomas Partey (RB) - Partey was one of the absent faces from Tuesday's session, so I'm merely holding out hope that he'll be available. Otherwise, I have no idea what Arteta will do at right-back if Jurrien Timber also misses out.

William Saliba (CB) - There's plenty of shifting going on around him, but Saliba remains a constant at the heart of Arsenal's backline.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) - It doesn't look like Gabriel will be back on Wednesday, so Kiwior, after struggling on Sunday, is set to earn his third consecutive start.

Kieran Tierney (LB) - Tierney returned from injury last month and Arteta has confirmed the Scot is ready for action. He may well have to play if Timber's absent. Who'd have thought it, eh?

Midfielders

Declan Rice (DM) - Rice at the base of midfield. Nature's headling. Keep him there for the long haul.

Mikel Merino (CM) - Don't do what I know you want to do, Mikel. He so wants to play Merino at left-back, doesn't he? Let's hope he opts against that.

Martin Odegaard (CM) - Odegaard took a few knocks to the ankle in west London, but he's fine and was involved in training on Tuesday. The skipper will be in the team and aiming to light up the Emirates. However, a robust Monaco midfield could make life tough for him.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Another constant in the XI, Saka was brilliant against Sporting CP on Matchday 5 and will be looking to make the most of a fairly depleted Monaco defence on Wednesday.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - Kai Havertz could do with a breather, and I know this isn't ideal, but Jesus is the most likely candidate to offer the German some respite. The Brazilian has been terribly out of sorts this season.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - It'd be great to see Raheem Sterling get a run out, but that doesn't seem likely with the loanee struggling to earn minutes off the bench. It's currently a toss-up between Leandro Trossard and Martinelli down the left. Lucky us...

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