Declan Rice has stayed back in London in what looks like a bittersweet news for Arsenal as Martin Odegaard returns to the squad.
Arsenal have travelled to Milan to take on Simone Inzaghi’s in-form Inter Milan side, as there is a lot at stake in the UEFA Champions League. Both teams are unbeaten and have reached this point without conceding a single goal; both would like to continue a run, but the managers will aim for the three points.
During his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta did provide fitness updates on some of his critical stars, namely Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. While the questions were more directed towards the surprise departure of Sporting Director Edu Gaspar, the Gunners boss was focused on the game ahead.
On the injury front, there is bittersweet news as Odegaard returned to full training and could be part of the squad. On the other hand, Rice did not travel with the team, with Arteta confirming an injury issue with his star midfielder.
On Odegaard’s return, Arteta said, “The positive news is it’s great to have Martin back. Obviously he’s trained with us for the first time, a full session today. He felt good, it’s a bit earlier than we expected, but he wanted to be with the team, so we’ll decide tomorrow whether we use him, but at least it’s a big step that he’s travelled with us and is part of the team.”
On Rice, he continued, “Declan unfortunately has picked up an injury against Newcastle. He was able to finish the game but he wasn’t feeling good in the last few days so we have to assess him on Thursday to understand whether he will be fit or not for the weekend.”
When pressed about Rice’s exact issue, Arteta confirmed it was a minor problem, “It was a knock, so it’s a problem with his foot. He wasn’t comfortable with it, so at the moment, he’s not fit.”
In terms of his team selection, there is not much to tweak, given the squad’s many absentees, particularly in the defensive third. On paper, Riccardo Calafiori might be the only one missing from action as of now. But a few, like Ben White and Jurrien Timber, have not been fully fit of late.
However, Ben White and Timber are expected to start in either full-back role against Inter Milan, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the central spots. With Rice absent, Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino seem ideal midfield partners from Arteta’s standpoint, although Jorginho could lend a helpful hand if needed.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will provide the width from the flanks in what may appear like another 4-4-2 shape. Kai Havertz will lead the line and will have the support of Leandro Trossard, although Arteta could also consider using Gabriel Jesus in the front two against Inter Milan, given his pedigree in the Champions League.
Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Saka, Partey, Merino, Martinelli; Trossard, Havertz
