Mikel Arteta’s side have the second leg next week but with the pressure off can put out their strongest side for the visit to Old Trafford. United, meanwhile, are languishing in the bottom half of the division and their Europa League round of 16 tie hangs in the balance after they drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad on Thursday night. Both clubs are missing some players for the game, although the Gunners’ injury list is not as long as United’s.
When could Saka and Martinelli return?
In his pre-match press conference, Arteta did not share any fresh injury news. On the one hand, it means no new concerns have emerged while those on the sidelines continue to work their way back to full fitness.
Bukayo Saka has been out of action since December while Gabriel Martinelli has not played since he was forced off against Newcastle United last month. The forward was named in Brazil’s provisional squad for their upcoming international fixtures but did not make the final three.
Speaking about the pair, Arteta said last week: “Let’s see how they evolve in the next few weeks to make the right steps and then after that, they’ve been out for a long, long time, so we’re going to have to integrate them as well gradually. They are evolving well but they’re still a bit far.”
Martinelli is expected to return to fitness before Saka but both players are expected to be available for selection against Fulham on April 1 - the first game after the international break.
What about Havertz, Jesus and Tomiyasu?
Arsenal’s other injured stars are all out for the season. Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are set to be out for longer than Kai Havertz. The German forward is set to be back for the start of next season but Jesus or Tomiyasu are not set to be ready until later in the year.
The Gunners failed to score against West Ham United and Nottingham Forest while Mikel Merino netted twice late on against Leicester City in the first game without Havertz. Asked where the stunning seven goals in one game came from against PSV, Arteta said on Friday: “The way the game could’ve gone, they could’ve scored [first]. We were in total control of the game but in one action, they had a big chance and hit the crossbar. That could’ve changed the game. If Myles got sent off, it would’ve been a different game, so that’s why you have to understand the context of the game. What happened was we were super effective in the box and that’s a massive strength, especially in the Champions League, and that’s why we won the game with that margin.”
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