Arsenal drop team news hint for UCL game against Athletic Club. Arteta’s latest updates suggest a change could be on the cards.
Injury issues for Arsenal ahead of UCL battle against Athletic Club
Arsenal will take on Athletic Bilbao on the back of a convincing 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. But, Mikel Arteta won’t have a full squad to pick from for this UCL game. Captain Martin Odegaard is still out after suffering a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Ben White are also injured too. This comes at a crucial moment in the season with the Gunners short of first-team regulars.
That being said, all is not completely doom and gloom. Viktor Gyokeres continues to have an instant impact after scoring again to keep his side’s momentum going. Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have both slotted in well, showing Arteta has real depth to call upon.
For this UCL clash, Declan Rice is tipped to return to the heart of midfield. Also, Mikel Merino could get another start after grabbing the spotlight in recent days.
Young guns waiting for their chance
Myles Lewis-Skelly, who broke through last season at left-back, is now pushing for midfield minutes. Arsenal’s social media hints have only fueled talk of his involvement in the match. The teenager is looking sharp in his cameo roles so far.
Ethan Nwaneri is another who could see time on the pitch. This shows how much faith Arteta places in the club’s next generation.
New arrival Pierro Hincapie could give extra cover at the back. So, Lewis-Skelly may get his chance to step into central areas. That kind of flexibility is exactly what Arteta needs with a busy calendar ahead. The choices he makes against Athletic Club will decide how he shapes the pathway for Arsenal’s rising stars.
Author’s Opinion:
This game feels like more than just a group-stage tie. It’s a chance to see Arsenal’s squad depth truly tested. If the youngsters step up, it could spark a new wave of belief in Arteta’s rotation plan.
