Premier League Gameweek 22
Jan 30, 2024 7.30pm
1
2
HT : 0 0
FT The City Ground
  • Taiwo Awoniyi 89' goal
  • yellowcard Gabriel Jesus 40'
  • goal Gabriel Jesus 65'
  • goal Bukayo Saka 72'

How Arsenal could line up against Nottingham Forest

How Arsenal could line up against Nottingham Forest

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will make late calls on the involvement of Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Both men were unable to complete the full 90 in last Saturday's 5-0 crushing of Crystal Palace, as Rice succumbed to thigh tightness while Gabriel took a whack to his ankle.

Mikel Arteta played down their substitutions as precautionary after the game, though, and a 10-day break in between matches will benefit their chances of an immediate comeback in Nottinghamshire.

The Gunners have also seen Thomas Partey return to full training after three months out with a thigh injury, although the Ghana midfielder is still unfit, while Jurrien Timber (ACL) and Fabio Vieira (groin) are still absent alongside international representatives Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Jakub Kiwior will step into Gabriel's shoes if the Brazilian does not make the cut this week, but the former Lille man could be given the green light to resume his effective partnership with William Saliba in front of David Raya.

Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are currently untouchable in the full-back positions, while Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz should continue in the engine room unchallenged.

Jorginho would be a more likely candidate to deputise for Rice, but Arsenal's record signing is believed to be in with a strong chance of being passed fit, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are shoo-ins in attack.

Leandro Trossard justified his selection against Palace with an emphatic finish, but Gabriel Martinelli soon stole the limelight with a brace off the bench and should now return to the XI over his Belgian counterpart.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli

POLL
Who will win Monday's League of Ireland Premier clash between Drogheda and Shelbourne?
Drogheda United 33%
Draw 67%
Shelbourne 0%
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