When playing under former manager Unai Emery, the Gunners should expect a formidable challenge.
Arsenal may choose to start an unchanged lineup for their high-profile Premier League trip against Aston Villa today.
The Gunners’ thrilling come-from-behind victory at Luton on Tuesday night left the Spaniard saying on Friday morning that he has no new injury concerns.
Declan Rice scored the winning goal in the 97th minute, almost the very last kick of the match, as Arsenal defeated the tenacious Hatters 4-3.
Currently, Takehiro Tomiyasu is the only available defensive option for manager Mikel Arteta after he hobbled out against Wolves last week due to a calf injury.
It is unfortunate that he will miss the AFC Asian Cup by four to six weeks, especially as Jurrien Timber will be out of commission for many more months for Arsenal.
Although Arteta has stated that he will not be able to return to action before Christmas, Thomas Partey is a potential stand-in right back.
It’s a little early for the time frame, but he’s making excellent progress with the injury, according to Arteta.
If he could accomplish that and return in time for Christmas, that would happen very quickly.
“We will need to bide our time. We are severely lacking in depth, as five of our most important players are currently unavailable for a while. However, we must go on.
In addition, Arsenal will not have midfielders Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira versus Villa, when Arteta will not be present on the sidelines.
Arsenal’s predicted starting lineup (4-3-3) is Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Albertelli.
Saturday, Sky Sports, 5:30 p.m. GMT
Location: Villa Park
Commissioner: Jarred Gillett
The Arsenal team is made up of the following players: Jesus, Martinelli, Nelson, Nketiah, Saka, Trossard; Elneny, Havertz, Jorginho, Odegaard, Rice; Gabriel, Cedric, Kiwior, Saliba, White, and Zinchenko.
