Ahead of the Gunners clash with West Ham today, Arsenal fans are preparing themselves for what will potentially be a nail-biting affair as the London side looks to continue their winning ways by securing the V3 bet winnings they will receive from their third consecutive victory in all competitions. At a time when everything is on the line and there is a lot of expectation, Mikel Arteta’s side is determined to remain on what’s still a winning run. But there are Arsenal injury worries, and there is the question of whether they’ll go with any attacking plan.
Artetaโs Focus: Winning for a Shot at Second Place
Mikel Arteta’s side are looking for victory in the last league game of the season, one that would keep them behind Liverpool in second place. That win could get Arsenal back on the right path to neck and neck with their title rivals. A Sunday win would see them take on Manchester City. However, Arteta is a pragmatic man. โIf they continue that way, thatโs for sure. The results they are producing, the amount of games they are winning. But the focus is just on us,” Arteta pointed out ahead of the match.
Arsenal Injury Concerns: Gabrielโs Fitness and Defensive Challenges
Gabrielโs fitness continues to be one of the biggest talking points leading into the West Ham game. If he doesnโt recover in time, rumored Arsenal target David Luiz will have to be replaced in the Brazilian sideโs friendly against Mali on Tuesday. Arteta, known for his cryptic answers, was non-committal when asked about Gabriel’s status: โWait and see,โ he responded, adding, “No, because I canโt. Itโs not that I donโt want to.โ
Arsenal Injury: Tomiyasu and White
Arsenal’s injury list is heavy; Takehiro Tomiyasu was added to the injury list for several weeks with treatment. Ben White, meanwhile, is expected to be out for multiple months following a “minor surgical procedure” on his knee during the international break. The injuries come as Arteta’s defensive options are tested and are a blow to a team renowned for a resolute and flexible backline.
Squad Limitations: Who Is Available?
Arsenal only have 19 fit and available senior players for the West Ham game, according to Arsenal’s official website. Premier League rules allow clubs to name a squad of 20 players. It means Arteta will be required to be tactical in his choices. It doesnโt look likely that young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly will be included in the squad yet against Sporting CP. But we will see what takes place this weekend. On the other hand, the clubโs 18-year-old, Ethan Nwaneri, who is still listed as an academy player, is likely to be included in the squad.
Potential Surprise: Tierneyโs Comeback?
One to watch is Kieran Tierneyโs possible inclusion. However, the Scottish defender has been out for much of the time with injury. Despite being part of the traveling party in midweek, he did not come off the bench. Arteta will certainly welcome Tierneyโs return if he has to leave the team without Gabriel. He’s a player with attacking ability but also defensive acumen that could matter in a tight game.
Fansโ Reaction: Optimism Mixed with Apprehension
Opinion is divided among Arsenal’s supporters, who are hopeful but cautious of what the game might bring. There has been much good humor and much speculation on social media with predictions and analysis. One fan added, “With White and Tomiyasu out, itโs now Kiwiorโs time, I guess. The boy has got to be the next big thing, right?” Another supporter said: โTierney coming back is like finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag, unexpected but welcome.โ
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