Mikel Arteta to recall Arsenal signing for Sporting CP clash as Gabriel Jesus dilemma emerges
Mikel Arteta will likely have the luxury of freshening up his Arsenal side for Thursday night’s Europa League decider against Sporting CP.
With the round of 16 still in the balance after a 2-2 first-leg draw last week, the Spaniard will be aware that a goalless draw at Emirates Stadium won’t be enough to see them through due to the away goals rule being abolished, hence just securing a win a spot in the quarterfinals.
Considering the Gunners need to score it’s a huge boost to have Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard back fit and available for selection. The pair missed out in Lisbon and their absence along with Eddie Nketiah was highlighted by Arteta after the game: “We lost a bit of threat today with the four players we’re missing in our front,” he told the post-match press conference.
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So in a week the Arsenal manager has gone from limited options in his forward line to a selection dilemma over who gets the nod as central striker, as Trossard requested three assists against Fulham while Jesus looked on sharply in a 12-minute Cameo from the bench.
Given that the Brazilian is still lacking in form after three months with a knee injury, it would be a surprise if he starts on Thursday night.
But as Arteta ponders who should lead the Gunners’ assault on the Emirates, football.london has looked at what other changes the Spanish tactician might be considering, especially as his side return to the Premier League three days later against Crystal Palace.
Kiwior recall
Jakub Kiwior could be unfortunate not to be included in Arsenal’s matchday squad against Fulham at the weekend. Premier League rules only allowed Arteta to name 20 players and as it was decided Jesus would return to the group it meant the £21million signing in January was missed despite his trip to Craven Cottage.
But different rules apply to the Europa League. So with Arsenal allowed to name a 23-man squad for the matchday, meaning up to 12 substitutes, it’s likely that Kiwior will be recalled and could make his Emirates debut after making his first competitive appearance for the club in the first leg .
youth involved
With Mohamed Elneny absent, 23 top Arsenal players will have to play against Sporting CP. However, the above number could drop to 21 depending on the availability of Nketiah and Karl Hein.
As such, at least two of the club’s most promising youngsters could be named on the bench, with Arteta able to choose from Zach Awe, Henry Jeffcott, Zane Monlouis, James Lannin-Sweet, Reuell Walters, Mauro Bandeira, Cirjan, Ben Cottrell and Jack Henry-Francis, Bradley Ibrahim, Joel Ideho, Zine-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Smith and Charles Sagoe Jr. as they are all included in Arsenal’s updated squad list, according to UEFA.com.
Now that it is common for two goalkeepers to be benched for a Europa League game, James Hillson is again the third choice if Hein is unavailable, while Amario Cozier-Duberry could be called up should Nketiah not risk become.
Stars return while Saka was resting
Arsenal’s bench against Fulham was the strongest in a long time. So much so that Jorginho and Emile Smith Rowe were unused substitutes. Was that a decision in view of Thursday’s game? That question will be answered about an hour before kick-off, but the pair are among several players hoping to start.
Fabio Vieira was credited by Arteta for his performance in Lisbon and has been a regular in the competition so far, Kieran Tierney is pressing for a start – despite a suspension risk – as are Takehiro Tomiyasu and Rob Holding, while Bukayo Saka could be in line for a break .
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