Arsenal host Ipswich Town without the formidable Bukayo Saka, who will miss ‘many weeks’, as Gabriel Martinelli switches to the right.
Arsenal will be eager to end 2024 on a high note with a home game against Ipswich Town. Mikel Arteta’s side have lost just once during the calendar year at the Emirates, and they will want to improve on that record rather than losing any more ground in the title race.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka’s injury was serious and will be out for ‘many weeks’, which will see the winger miss many crucial games. He also revealed that Raheem Sterling is also facing a spell on the sidelines, as the Gunners are somewhat short in the attack when some of their defensive and midfield injury problems ease up.
On Saka, Arteta said, “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks. I cannot be too specific because I don’t know, but it will be many weeks. Yes it’s a huge one. Obviously he’s a big player for us. You just have to see the impact that he has on the team, but it’s going to be a really good exercise for all of us to think about ways to overcome another challenge, because we’ve already had a lot in the season.”
Sterling has reportedly suffered a knee problem that will keep him sidelined for ‘weeks’. While the on-loan attacker is not a preferred presence in the team for Premier League games, the absence of Saka would have offered a chance for him to gain more minutes.
On Sterling, Arteta said, “He’s going to be out for weeks. He needs some further testing tomorrow to understand the extent of the injury. It’s his knee and we have to wait another 24 hours, but unfortunately he’s going to be out for a while.”
In terms of team selection, Arteta could bring Riccardo Calafiori back into the mix at the expense of the lively Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will stay in the central roles, while Jurrien Timber assumes his position at right-back.
Thomas Partey is expected to return to his customary midfield position at the base, while Declan Rice will be fit to start after an impressive cameo off the bench last weekend. Martin Odegaard will have extra responsibility following Saka’s absence as he completes the midfield setup for Arsenal.
Kai Havertz played in a midfield role against Crystal Palace, but this time, he’s expected to lead the line as Arteta makes his tweaks to the attacking front three to cope with the absence of Saka. Gabriel Martinelli is expected to play on the right, while the in-form Gabriel Jesus operates from the left-hand side.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus
