Arsenal are boosted with the returns of Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko in training, while missing Granit Xhaka through suspension.
Mikel Arteta took a training session on Wednesday with most of his squad. As it was an open session, many journalists spotted familiar faces that allayed fears among the Arsenal fanbase. Bukayo Saka, who suffered an injury against Nottingham Forest, was back, along with Mohamed Elneny and Oleksandr Zinchenko. So Arteta will have a bolstered squad against FC Zurich on Thursday.
Only Emile Smith Rowe and Matt Turner missed the session. Arteta touched upon many subjects during his pre-match press conference, ranging from injuries and Albert Sambi Lokonga’s position. The Arsenal boss said the following on the injury front involving Saka, Elneny and Zinchenko.
Arsenal vs FC Zurich Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“They are at different stages obviously. Mo had a long-term injury but he has recovered now in a really good way and has been training with the team for a week or two now. Alex is just very recent and he’s had two training sessions. Bukayo just missed one or two sessions and was fine today.”
When asked whether Lokonga is more suited in a different midfield position, Arteta hinted at a role change after Elneny’s return to training. He said, “That situation arose because we had Thomas [Partey] out and then we had Mo out, and we had to adapt the position of Sambi because he was our most natural player to do so. Now with Mo coming back, we have another position open.”
With Turner likely absent, Aaron Ramsdale will keep his place between the sticks. Arteta will shuffle the pack at the back, with Gabriel Magalhaes the only player to keep his spot. Cedric Soares could make his first start this season, with Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney completing the back four.
If Elneny starts, Lokonga could play in Granit Xhaka’s position, who is suspended. Fabio Vieira will complete the pack in midfield. Meanwhile, Arteta could prefer Reiss Nelson on the right side of the attack after a terrific showing at the weekend. Eddie Nketiah will lead the line for Arsenal, with Gabriel Martinelli likely to remain on the left flank.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Soares, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Vieira, Elneny, Lokonga; Nelson, Nketiah, Martinelli
