With an almost fit squad Mikel Arteta has a fascinating balancing act to manage with his Arsenal team selections this week. The Gunners are wary they must win at Brighton on Saturday to keep the pressure on in the Premier League title race, but also know that they will need their strongest line up against Bayern Munich in their first Champions League quarter-final in 14 years on Tuesday.
It’s the kind of fixture list the Spaniard would have been dreaming of when he arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2019. That doesn’t make it any less high stakes to manage though.
Complicating the matter even further is the need to manage the fitness of various key players. Bukayo Saka, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Martinelli, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey are all carrying injuries or just coming back from one.
That will be no excuse for Arteta if he gets his team selection incorrect however. Here football.london takes a look at who the Spaniard may pick to get the job done at the Amex on Saturday night.
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Back at his old club Ben White will be keen to make a point. He wasn’t given much of a rest against Luton, but has the durability to keep going throughout this tough run.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
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There’s only one player left who has played every minute in the Premier League this season for Arsenal. That’s William Saliba. Expect that to continue on Saturday.(Image: (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
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The Brazilian had another really solid performance against Luton. After bullying Evan Ferguson out of the game in the reverse fixture, he’ll want to do the same this time against his potential future teammate.
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The Ukrainian made his first start since February on Wednesday night and looked more or less himself for better or for worse. Brighton’s man to man approach lends itself perfectly to his technical excellence and should just give him the edge over Arteta’s other options at left back.(Image: Jacques Feeney)
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Another crucial away game where the Italian’s composure on the ball could be invaluable. Jorginho will likely be needed against Bayern again in midweek, but expect him to start this one.(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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With all the changes against Luton, one man Mikel Arteta felt he couldn’t drop was Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian is vital to connecting everything Arsenal do and will be crucial once again on Saturday.(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images))
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Rice was given a rare rest against Luton. With how important he’s likely to be between now and the end of the season, it was a smart decision by Arteta who will be hoping he’s raring to go at the Amex.(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))
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Mikel Arteta has backed Bukayo Saka to finish the season in a strong manner. With a precautionary rest against Luton behind him, expect him to start against Brighton on Saturday night.
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Kai Havertz is getting closer to a suspension with the yellow cards he’s picking up. Gabriel Jesus was rested against Luton Town. It feels like the smart move to get more minutes into the Brazilian’s legs ahead of Bayern on Tuesday.(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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The Brazilian has come off the bench in the past two matches after recovering from a foot injury. As Arteta seeks to get him up to speed for Bayern, expect him to start against Brighton.
