Arsenal is expected to field an unchanged lineup for their Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates on Wednesday. Manager Mikel Arteta seems inclined to stick with the squad that featured on Saturday as the Gunners aim to secure their spot among the top eight teams in the competition. Currently in a strong position, Arsenal will look to solidify their standing with a victory.
After the match, the team will travel to Girona for their final league-phase fixture. Arteta is targeting maximum points from these two games, which would ensure automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
In his pre-match press conference, Arteta shared positive updates on Riccardo Calafiori and Ethan Nwaneri, both of whom have returned to full training.
However, William Saliba, who suffered a muscle injury during the North London Derby, will remain unavailable for the Dinamo Zagreb match. Arteta mentioned that Saliba’s recovery is progressing well but emphasized the need to manage his return carefully.
Speaking on the returns of Calafiori and Nwaneri, Arteta expressed optimism: “It’s great news. They’ve been missed, but they trained today and are available for selection.” Despite Calafiori’s return, he is unlikely to start, although he could come off the bench to bolster the defense in Saliba’s absence.
Arteta also highlighted the impact of Nwaneri’s setback, noting, “He was gaining momentum, but the increased workload took a toll. It’s something we need to address moving forward.”
As for the starting XI, Arteta is expected to retain the same formation used against Aston Villa. Thomas Partey will remain at right-back, with Jurrien Timber partnering Gabriel Magalhaes in central defense. Myles Lewis-Skelly is likely to continue impressing at left-back. The midfield trio of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Mikel Merino will remain intact, providing stability and creativity.
Upfront, Gabriel Martinelli is set to operate on the right wing, with Leandro Trossard on the left, while Kai Havertz will lead the attack. The bench will feature options like Calafiori and Nwaneri, adding depth to the squad.
With a consistent lineup and a determined approach, Arsenal is well-positioned to claim another important victory in their Champions League campaign.
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