Arsenal could be without David Raya for the clash with Leicester City as Neto could make his debut, while Leandro Trossard returns.
Arsenal are coming in this weekend’s game against Leicester City on the back of an intense run of away games, as they return to home comforts in the Premier League. The Gunners demolished League One side Bolton in the EFL Cup clash, where Mikel Arteta was able to rest a number of his key first-team stars, but not all of them.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta was able to provide updates on a number of his stars who have fitness concerns. There was also a positive update on Mikel Merino’s fitness, while there are significant doubts about David Raya’s participation.
On Raya, Arteta said, “We have to wait 24 hours to see if he’s looking good or not that good. It’s not about taking a risk, it’s about a player being fit and available or not. When we have that clarity for Leicester, which is the main thing that we are thinking about at the moment, we will make a decision tomorrow.”
Arteta also pointed out the potential availability of Jurrien Timber and Ben White, with the defensive pair missing the midweek clash against Bolton. He continued, “Jurrien was able to take part in training today so that’s that’s good news. He will be available in the squad, and Ben hopefully as well.”
Finally, there was an update on Mikel Merino, who was originally not expected to return at least until the next international break. However, it appears that the midfielder has made tremendous progress, with Arteta hinting that he could be involved sooner rather than later.
On Merino, Arteta said, “Tomorrow is too soon, the next week we will see. He had partial training today, he’s been working so hard and is looking good. It is just about the healing of that bone and how mature that is to expose him to contact.”
Arteta will make wholesale changes from the midweek clash, as Neto could potentially make his debut if Raya cannot prove his fitness. Ben White might not be risked from the start, meaning Jurrien Timber could have another game at right-back, while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes should return to the lineup.
Riccardo Calafiori will stay at left-back, while Thomas Partey and Declan Rice will feature as the double-pivot in midfield. Leandro Trossard served his suspension for his sending off last weekend and missed the Bolton clash, meaning he is available for selection as the Belgian will come straight into the lineup.
Arteta will prefer to start Trossard and Kai Havertz as his front two for this clash. This could be his setup until Martin Odegaard returns to action. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will continue to be deployed in traditional wide roles in a 4-4-2.
Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Neto; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Saka, Partey, Rice, Martinelli; Havertz, Trossard
