Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could shuffle his pack on the return to the Champions League, with Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Jesus set for starts.
Mikel Arteta seemed a happy man answering all the questions for his first-ever Champions League game as manager. For Arsenal, it’s a momentous occasion as they are back among the European elite after a gap of six-and-a-half years when they take on PSV Eindhoven.
The Gunners boss answered all his questions during the pre-PSV Eindhoven press conference with a smile on his face. Arteta expressed that he feels ‘proud and excited’ to lead the team back into the Champions League. He also gave an update on Gabriel Martinelli and the goalkeeping situation.
Arteta, when asked about how he felt before the game, he said, “Proud and excited. It’s been a long time for the club since we have been in the competition and obviously it’s the first time for me as a manager, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
On whether the players felt the same, he continued, “Yes because we’ve been chasing it and fighting for it and now we’ve got it, we have to make the most out of it. It starts at home and I’m sure our supporters are going to be really excited about it and it’s about managing that and enjoying the challenge.”
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Martinelli appeared to tweak his hamstring after scoring the disallowed goal against Everton. Arteta confirmed the injury and insisted they will run a few tests to determine the extent. “He felt something in his hamstring and we need to do some further tests to assess if there is any big damage or not but he will be out for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”
Finally, when asked about the goalkeeping situation and how Aaron Ramsdale felt, he stated, “It’s the same answer. I don’t want to talk about the response of every single player in this squad whether they play or not – sorry.”
Those are clear hints that Arteta wants to refrain from commenting on who his No.1 choice is at the moment, which currently is neither. The manager will likely make some necessary changes, although he would retain most of his core players despite suggestions that he may rest a few leggy players.
Ramsdale is set to start in goal for his Champions League debut with the same back-four as the Everton game. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior could play a part off the bench at some stage, which gives Arteta enough depth to cover two defensive positions.
Kai Havertz might return to the Arsenal midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. The injury to Martinelli could open the door for Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson in some capacity, but they might not start the game. Gabriel Jesus could replace Eddie Nketiah up front, while Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka will complete the attacking setup.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
