Arsenal attacker set to return from injury against Slavia Prague in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
Arsenal huddle
Arsenal huddle
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Minor fitness issues can still allow a player to feature when the problem is not expected to restrict involvement. Squad rotation ahead of a busy period often brings wider options into the starting side for European fixtures. Historical milestones can add extra context to a selection decision.
Eberechi Eze is expected to be available for Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Slavia Prague despite managing a minor injury.
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The Evening Standard reports that the problem is not expected to keep the England international out on Wednesday evening, with Eze tipped to start on the left of Arsenal’s attack. Christos Tzolis has only recently returned from a hamstring problem, and he is unlikely to start twice in four days.
There could also be a European milestone at stake for Eze. According to Arsenal’s official match preview, he could become the first Englishman to score in three consecutive European Cup appearances for the club since Ray Kennedy, who scored in four successive appearances during the 1971/72 campaign.
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Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze
The immediate priority, though, is maintaining Arsenal’s unbeaten Champions League campaign against a Slavia side arriving in strong domestic form.
They are seven points clear in the Czech league after 13 matches and beat Jablonec 5-0 away on Saturday. Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate against Slavia with one eye on the club’s final Premier League fixture before the international break when Hull City visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Max Dowman is available for the European tie despite a domestic suspension and is among those tipped to feature.
The trip to Prague offers an opportunity for players who have had limited starts in recent weeks. Eze’s inclusion would continue his involvement in the Champions League group stage so far. Arsenal sit with seven points from their opening three league-phase fixtures after the draw at Bayern Munich.
Slavia have struggled in the competition and have not won any of their previous 22 Champions League matches. A positive result in Prague would strengthen Arsenal’s position heading into the international break. Selection will depend on final checks on Eze’s minor issue before kick-off. The Evening Standard’s reporting suggests the problem is not viewed as a barrier to him starting.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta