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Mikel Arteta faces a significant team selection challenge when Arsenal host Fulham on Saturday evening, with the Gunners caught between Premier League title ambitions and Champions League semi-final preparations.
The north London side have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points over Manchester City, who don’t face Everton until Monday night. However, the fixture falls awkwardly between the two legs of their Champions League semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid.
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Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the starting lineup after being benched for Wednesday’s first leg in Madrid. The England international has not started a match since the Carabao Cup final in March but made substitute appearances in recent games as he works his way back to full fitness.
Eberechi Eze, who also started on the bench against Atletico, should join Saka in the starting eleven as Arteta looks to field a stronger side for the crucial Premier League encounter.
Injury concerns mount
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Martin Odegaard’s fitness remains a concern after the captain was substituted early in the second half against Atletico Madrid, having received treatment on the touchline before half-time. Arsenal will be hoping the Norwegian’s withdrawal was precautionary rather than due to injury.
Kai Havertz is a major doubt with the muscle injury that forced him to miss the Champions League first leg, while Jurrien Timber continues his recovery from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for the last nine games across all competitions.
According to the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-xi-vs-fulham-confirmed-team-news-predicted-lineup-injury-latest-premier-league-2026-b1280590.html), Timber is yet to return to full first-team training, making his involvement against Fulham unlikely.
Rotation expected
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Changes are anticipated at full-back, with Riccardo Calafiori likely to come in to offer fresh legs and provide rest for Piero Hincapie ahead of the return leg against Atletico.
The midfield partnership of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi is expected to continue, with Arteta having consistently relied on the duo throughout the campaign. Despite Myles Lewis-Skelly impressing off the bench against Newcastle, the manager appears unlikely to trust the youngster from the start in such a crucial fixture.
Mikel Merino remains sidelined through injury, while Viktor Gyokeres is set to lead the line if Havertz fails to recover in time.
Arteta will provide a comprehensive team news update during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, offering clarity on the availability of his key players for what promises to be a pivotal weekend in Arsenal’s season.