Eddie Nketiah missed training on Tuesday, which could force Mikel Arteta to use Kai Havertz in a central role when Arsenal face Sevilla.
Arsenal are getting ready to welcome Sevilla to the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta eager to take a big step towards qualifying for the Last 16 of the Champions League. The Gunners boss could tweak his squad a bit based on what is required to counter the Andalusian outfit.
Arteta’s post-match tirade against the refereeing decisions during the Newcastle United game dominated his pre-match press conference. The Spaniard, stuck by his words, was barely bothered by the criticism he has received in the aftermath of his comments after Saturday.
Arteta said, “It is my duty to stand in front of you, to stand in front of the cameras and give a very clear and honest assessment of what happens in the game. This is what I did, reflect very openly how I felt that the team played and how they game was conditioned by this result with the decisions that were made.”
“It’s the duty, my duty is defending my players, supporting my players, supporting my club, defending my people in the best possible way and this is what I’m going to do time after time. I do it the way I feel with the evidence and being as clear as possible and I always do it. When we play brilliantly, to say that, when we have lost, to take my responsibility, the first one me to do it. It’s the way that I am and I have to defend my club.”
Arsenal vs Sevilla Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“Gabriel [Jesus] won’t be fit. With Martin, it’s still uncertain. The rest, no news so far.” When asked about Odegaard’s injury situation and the impact of being called up for Norway, he continued, “Martin loves to play for his country and every time that he’s been called up and been fit, he’s been there. And he will be there if that’s the case.”
Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah was also missing from training, which has sparked speculation that Arteta might have to start Kai Havertz in the central role. With Thomas Partey absent for the foreseeable future, the Gunners boss must manage the fitness of his fit central defenders.
With Nketiah potentially absent, Arteta’s possible plans of resting Jorginho might have to wait. It is either the Italian international or Mohamed Elneny, who has only recently returned to full fitness. The manager may not take the risk with the latter, meaning the 31-year-old will again start at the base of midfield.
At the back, Takehiro Tomiyasu might start as the right-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left. Up front, Bukayo Saka will be stationed on the right-hand of the attack. Gabriel Martinelli remains the firm choice on the left flank, with Havertz likely to play centrally in this game against Sevilla.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Vieira, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
