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Arsenal injury news, suspensions and expected return dates ahead of Champions League clash

Mikel Arteta faces some selection issues ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Kairat Almaty, following injuries and suspensions, although he does have a chance to rotate his team

Arsenal boss is set to rotate his side for their final group stage fixture against Kairat Almaty. The have enjoyed a perfect run in Europe so far this season, triumphing in all seven matches against heavyweight opponents including Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

Jurrien Timber, and Mikel Merino all featured in Sunday's 3-2 loss to but were notably absent from Tuesday's training session. When quizzed on their availability, Arteta confirmed in his press conference: "No, those aren't."

Regarding Saliba and Timber specifically, Arteta explained: "No, they have some niggles and it's a good opportunity now that we make a different kind of work with them to get them in the best possible conditions that we can offer them."

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Merino and are unavailable through suspension after picking up too many yellow cards. On a brighter note, Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz both participated in training.

Havertz has managed just 59 minutes of action this campaign following a knee problem sustained in the Premier League curtain-raiser. Max Dowman remains sidelined with an ankle complaint and isn't anticipated to feature until next month.

With just a single point required to secure top spot in the group and facing modest opposition, Arteta may well seize the opportunity to shuffle his pack for the clash on Wednesday night (8pm).

Here, Mirror Football has taken a look at the latest injury news and the potential return dates for Arsenal's absent players tonight.

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Declan Rice

Rice will also miss the fixture after picking up his third yellow card in stoppage time against Inter Milan, which triggers an automatic one‐match ban under UEFA rules. Potential return date: Leeds (a), Jan 31 - also back for knockout stage of Champions League

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