Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confronting a series of selection dilemmas as his side prepares for their concluding Champions League group stage encounter against Kairat Almaty on Wednesday night. The Gunners, who have impressively secured victory in all seven of their European fixtures this season against formidable opponents such as Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan, are set to rotate their squad. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of enforced absences and minor injury concerns affecting several first-team regulars.
Confirmed Absences and Suspensions
Midfielders Mikel Merino and Declan Rice will both be unavailable for the match due to suspension. Each player received their third yellow card of the competition during stoppage time in the recent clash with Inter Milan, triggering an automatic one-match ban under UEFA regulations. Their absence represents a significant blow to Arsenal's midfield options for this fixture.
Injury Concerns for Defensive Unit
Further compounding Arteta's selection issues are injury niggles affecting key defenders. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, who both featured in Sunday's 3-2 Premier League defeat to Manchester United, were notably absent from Tuesday's training session. When questioned about their availability, Arteta confirmed their unavailability, stating, "No, those aren't." He elaborated on the situation, explaining, "No, they have some niggles and it's a good opportunity now that we make a different kind of work with them to get them in the best possible conditions that we can offer them."
Positive Training News and Longer-Term Absences
On a more positive note, Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz were both participants in Tuesday's training session. Havertz's involvement is particularly encouraging, as the German international has been limited to just 59 minutes of action this campaign following a knee injury sustained on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
However, young talent Max Dowman remains sidelined with an ankle ligament injury suffered while playing for the under-21s in December. Arteta provided an update, noting, "He's not training yet, so still a few weeks away," with a return anticipated sometime in February.
Expected Return Dates for Key Players
Mikel Merino & Declan Rice: Both midfielders are expected to return for Arsenal's upcoming Premier League fixture against Leeds United on January 31st. They will also be available for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
William Saliba & Jurrien Timber: The defensive duo are also targeting a return for the Leeds match on January 31st, pending recovery from their respective niggles.
Max Dowman: The youngster is not expected to feature until February as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury.
Context and Opportunity for Rotation
With Arsenal requiring just a single point from their final group game to secure top spot, and facing modest opposition in Kairat Almaty, Arteta is presented with a clear opportunity to rotate his squad. This allows him to manage player workload, provide minutes to squad players, and prioritise the fitness of key individuals for the crucial domestic and European challenges that lie ahead in the new year.
