Fabio Vieira could return to the Arsenal starting lineup and replace Kai Havertz, while Thomas Partey provides a timely return from injury.
Arsenal play their first away game of their UEFA Champions League campaign as they travel to France to take on RC Lens. Mikel Arteta is not expected to make a host of changes, considering he will look to maintain momentum and go for another win to progress in Group B.
A major storm prevented Arsenal from leaving for France in time. It resulted in the cancellation of Arteta’s pre-game press conference. The Gunners’ boss did speak to the press via telephone, as he provided updates on Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey.
The Ghanaian midfielder had missed a chunk of games and missed at least a month of football. He did return to training on Monday, and Arteta could include him in the matchday squad in France. On his fitness, the Gunners boss had a few updates on how the midfielder has progressed since.
Arteta said, “He’s been progressing really well in the last two weeks, and he managed to train the last two or three days with the team. That’s great news for us obviously. He’s progressing and has been very good in the past week. He is a big player and we know what he brings to the team.”
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On Saka’s fitness, Arteta confirmed the winger was feeling much better than last week and insisted he suffered a significant knock. Arteta continued, “He’s fine, he’s much better. Obviously he took a big knock but he’s recovered well and he trained today. It’s great if he’s available and we will make that call tomorrow.”
On the team news, Arteta may not make too many changes to the side that defeated Bournemouth at the weekend. In fact, only Fabio Vieira might come into this setup and replace Kai Havertz as he did during the clash with PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates.
David Raya could keep his place ahead of the next two games. Arteta might re-visit his goalkeeping situation during the next international break. A bit ahead of the Spaniard, Arsenal will feature the same defensive back four that started against Bournemouth.
With Vieira likely to come in, Declan Rice will sit at the base of this Arsenal midfield, with Martin Odegaard on the right side of the three. Saka will keep starting games as long as he’s fit, which is the case ahead of the Lens game.
Despite having Leandro Trossard fit and available, Arteta may look to preserve him until the Manchester City game. Eddie Nketiah will lead the line against RC Lens, with Gabriel Jesus on the left-hand side.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Vieira; Saka, Nketiah, Jesus
