Arsenal information: Mikel Arteta’s anxious look ahead to damage ‘readability’ and lineup vs Olympiacos
Mikel Arteta is expected to make a number of changes to his Arsenal lineup for the Champions League clash with Olympiacos on Wednesday evening
Mikel Arteta is set to make significant changes to his Arsenal squad following Sunday’s crucial 2-1 victory at Newcastle, as Olympiacos prepare to visit North London on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners are aiming for back-to-back wins in Europe after a hard-fought victory over Athletic Club at the San Mames a fortnight ago. This marks their first home Champions League match since Paris Saint-Germain defeated them 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium in last season’s semi-finals.
The Premier League title hopefuls have been hit by injuries early this season, with talisman Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard only returning to action at the weekend. And one of their star performers in the opening stages of this campaign remains sidelined. Fortunately, Arteta has a robust roster to select from for the clash with the Greek heavyweights.
Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates ahead of another big week for Arsenal.
Team to face Olympiacos
David Raya is very likely to retain his spot in goal, despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s clean sheet in last week’s 2-0 Carabao Cup triumph at Port Vale.
Ben White is anticipated to reclaim his position at right-back despite Jurrien Timber’s impressive defensive performance at St James’ Park, reports Football London.
Cristian Mosquera, who played the first half at Newcastle and conceded the corner that led to Nick Woltemade’s header, is expected to be replaced by William Saliba who should come in alongside his regular partner Gabriel Magalhaes.
At left-back, Myles Lewis-Skelly is thought to be prepared to step in, while there is a fierce battle for spots in midfield.
Odegaard may return to the fold in midfield alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. And in attack, Bukayo Saka could start a third consecutive game as he was withdrawn on 70 minutes at Newcastle.
Viktor Gyokeres is poised to lead the line while Gabriel Martinelli is expected to start on the left flank as he looks to build on his Champions League goal against Athletic.
Injury update as Arteta ‘in the dark’
Arsenal initially expected Noni Madueke to miss six to eight weeks with the knee injury he suffered in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
The England international watched Arsenal’s late victory over Newcastle from home on the television as he continues his recovery. But Arteta has indicated Arsenal are still in the dark as to when he’ll be able to return.
He said: “No, he hasn’t had a [second] scan yet so he needs to wait a little bit more still with the brace and everything.
“So he’s still in a stage where everything is super protective and once he comes out of that and has the scan we’ll have more clarity about it.”
