21 August 2025 – London. Arteta faces selection dilemma as injuries mount ahead of crucial fixtures. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is facing selection challenges as he prepares for their next Premier League match after the Gunners injuries mount to two important forwards requiring changes to their overall tactics. With injury issues concerning their squad, their depth will now be tested as they hope to continue their unattainable start to the 2025 – 26 season.
Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya – The Spanish goalkeeper remains Arteta’s undisputed first choice, fresh off a Yashin Trophy nomination and a solid pre-season.
DEF: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly. White gets the favor over Jurriën Timber at right-back for his offensive synergy with Bukayo Saka, while Lewis-Skelly’s composure earns him the nod at left-back. Saliba and Gabriel form the defensive backbone, though Gabriel’s recent return from injury requires monitoring.
MID: Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard – Zubimendi’s impeccable pre-season performances have solidified his role as the deep-lying pivot, freeing Rice to drive forward. Ødegaard captains the side as the primary creative force.
FWD: Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli – With Kai Havertz sidelined by a knee injury and Gabriel Jesus still recovering from a cruciate ligament rupture, Gyökeres is the sole natural striker available. Saka and Martinelli provide width, though Leandro Trossard remains an option for rotation.
Tactical Overview
Arteta’s setup emphasizes defensive stability through Zubimendi’s distribution and Rice’s box-to-box dynamism. Gyökeres’ physicality offers a focal point in attack, though the lack of proven backup threatens Arsenal’s efficiency in final-third transitions. Lewis-Skelly’s inverted runs from left-back could be pivotal in midfield overloads, while White’s overlapping runs aim to exploit Saka’s partnerships.
Injury Crisis and Transfer Implications
The absence of Havertz and Jesus’ prolonged recovery has left Arsenal with no senior striking alternatives beyond Gyökeres. The emergency could now mean the club are in a position to act decisively for attacking reinforcements. This leads with a prior link to Ademola Lookman. Trossard’s versatility has eased the situation temporarily. However, Arteta stated it is “far from ideal” in such a busy period in the fixture schedule.
Key Bench Options
- Leandro Trossard: Cover for both wings and striker roles.
- Noni Madueke: Impact substitute for wide areas.
- Jurriën Timber: Defensive flexibility across the backline.
Arteta’s selections will hinge on fitness tests ahead of matchday, but tactical consistency is expected despite mounting injury concerns.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
