As the Champions League group stage approaches its halfway mark, Arsenal finds themselves on the brink of a dream scenario.
After a six-year hiatus from Europe’s premier club competition, Arsenal has seen a mixed start to their campaign. Although the winds of fortune may soon be blowing in their favor.
On matchday one, Arsenal put on a convincing display at the Emirates Stadium, defeating PSV Eindhoven 4-0. However, they stumbled against RC Lens, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat despite taking an early lead courtesy of Gabriel Jesus.
These results prompted discussions about whether Arteta had his strongest squad available.
In particular, the absence of key players like Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey raised questions about Arsenal’s true potential.
Arsenal: UCL journey so far
Martinelli missed the PSV fixture and also sat out the match in France due to a hamstring issue. But the tide appears to have turned.
Following Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw with Chelsea, no new injuries have been reported. This means that Arteta is on the verge of having all his first-team players registered on the 25-man List A squad available for selection against Sevilla.
In the context of the Champions League, Arteta can name a 23-man matchday squad, comprising 11 starters and up to 12 substitutes.
This presents a dream scenario for the Arsenal boss. However, the catch is that he will have to leave at least one senior player back home in England.
Arsenal’s List A squad consists of 24 senior players. Notably, Jurrien Timber was omitted from the squad due to an ACL injury sustained on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest in August.
finally a good news for gunners
On a more positive note, new signings Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and David Raya have been included, along with youngster Lino Sousa.
When it comes to goalkeepers, it’s customary in European ties to include three in the matchday squad. This suggests that Aaron Ramsdale, who missed the Chelsea game due to the birth of his child, might be in line for a return. The question remains whether he will get the nod over David Raya in the goalkeeping position.
The defensive options for the Sevilla encounter appear straightforward, with players like William Saliba, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Oleksandr Zinchenko expected to make the trip to Spain if they are available for selection.
In the midfield and attacking areas, Arteta has an array of options at his disposal. With Martinelli back to full fitness, it appears that all six of Arsenal’s senior attackers, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, and Martinelli, will likely be involved.
There may be a decision to make between Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny for the final spot in the squad.
In summary, Arsenal fans have reason to be optimistic. With key players returning to full fitness and a squad depth that provides plenty of options, Mikel Arteta is gearing up to name a formidable squad for the Champions League clash against Sevilla.
This dream scenario could be the catalyst for a successful European campaign for the Gunners.
