Arsenal have begun life after the international break in spectacular fashion, with two big wins in the bag. After a thorough performance in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, the Gunners went away to Sporting CP to return with a 5-1 reverse scoreline. The North Londoners are now ready to make the short trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta provided updates on squad fitness during his pre-match press conference, but he did not confirm or deny Gabriel Magalhaes’ availability for Saturday. Instead, he said, “Wait and see. I can’t [give you an update], not because I don’t want to.”
Meanwhile, Arteta had nothing to report on the squad’s fitness. He said, “Not a lot because we have another training session. We have to see how the boys are today. A few weren’t able to train yesterday, but hopefully today, so we have to wait and see.”
A few players, including Gabriel, were evidently missing from the training photos and videos on the official website. Arteta did mention that taking the Brazilian off was due to the discomfort he felt. Still, it is not considered anything serious, as his absence from training images was probably due to load management.
Arteta also spoke about Martin Odegaard, whose impact has been visible over the last two games since his return from injury. The manager credited the medical staff as well as the player for the way the skipper conducted himself.
Arteta said, “The way he prepares himself, how much work he put in with the physios and all the medical department to get in the best possible condition to face the period and importance of the season we are in at the moment. And to hit the ground running. He was exceptional since the Chelsea game, and he’s been very consistent in the last few games.”
In terms of team selections, Arteta is likely to name an unchanged side from the midweek Sporting CP trip, depending on if Gabriel returns fit. The Brazilian international is expected to start alongside William Saliba in central defence, with Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori set to remain in the full-back positions.
There are still chances of Arteta rotating his team like he did against Forest and Sporting, although the midweek performance may need to continue. Hence, Thomas Partey, starting in the base of the midfield, will have Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice on either side.
Bukayo Saka has picked up form of late and will undoubtedly start on the right wing, with Kai Havertz set to retain his place as the centre-forward. Gabriel Martinelli will look to improve his numbers in the Premier League as he starts on the left wing.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
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