Arsenal are set to face Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League later today as the Gunners look to begin their European campaign on a high.
Mikel Arteta & Co. had a difficult week off the field in the build up to the North London Derby after the international break as Arsenal were on the wrong side of an injury crisis. Club captain Martin Odegaard suffered a substantial ankle injury, which should keep him on the infamous red seats in the Emirates Stadium among the audience for a few games, while Riccardo Calafiori also pulled up after the break with a knock.
Going into the derby, Arsenal also missed Declan Rice’s services as the England international was sent off for Veltman kicking him in what was a stunning decision from Chris Kavanagh.
However, the Gunners managed. Arteta coached a brilliant 1-0 win against Ange Postecoglou’s side as they gained all three points for the third time in a row at White Hart Lane.
And now we turn the attention to the Champions League…
Atalanta have won two and lost two in their Serie A campaign; however, when it comes to Europe, the Europa League winners always have a trick or two up their sleeve. With Rice back and Calafiori back in the squad, things aren’t too gloomy for the Gunners either.
However, if we are to go by Sky Sports journalist Gary Cotterill, Mikel Arteta is set to rotate things…
£34m ace Jurrien Timber to be benched vs Atlanta
Jurrien Timber just played his first ninety minutes in over a year, and that was in a highly physical game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. And Arteta is set to shuffle his left-back cards ahead of the game to hand the Dutch ace some rest.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Cotterill said:
“We could debate all evening about who he (Arteta) might rest in terms of important players. Some suggestions are perhaps Jurrien Timber, who has been so good for Arsenal, played the whole of the North London derby. Injury devastated start to his Arsenal career; they’ve got to be careful with him.”
With Timber set to be benched, either Riccardo Calafiori or Jakub Kiwior can start against Atalanta later today.
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Who do you think will start for Arsenal when they face Atalanta at Gewiss Stadium later today?
