Arsenal are preparing for a crucial Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta facing selection headaches after a string of injury returns. The Gunners have not beaten Bayern in Europe since October 2015, and Arteta is eager to end that drought.
The injury situation has improved significantly, with Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Riccardo Calafiori all back in contention. Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus have also returned to training, potentially featuring in some capacity. However, the quick turnaround from the North London Derby victory over Tottenham may force Arteta to rotate his squad.
With nearly every player fit, some will inevitably miss out on the matchday squad. Early indications suggest that 15-year-old Max Dowman, who became the youngest player in Champions League history earlier this season, will not be involved against Bayern as he was named in the Under-19s squad for their UEFA Youth League fixture.
Meanwhile, academy striker Andre Harriman-Annous was absent from the Under-19s, hinting at a potential spot on the bench for the senior side. With Viktor Gyokeres injured and Kai Havertz recovering from a knee issue, Harriman-Annous could provide a natural centre-forward option off the bench, with Mikel Merino likely to lead the line.
Arteta emphasised the importance of the match: 'We have the same intention to win it. We know the importance of the match; we are in a really strong position and we want to maintain that.' A victory would boost Arsenal's hopes of finishing in the top eight and progressing to the round of 16.
