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Arsenal injury crisis could lead to radical starting XI for north London derby

talksport.com, 14 January 2025, 20:03
Arsenal's starting XI could be shaping up very differently for the north London Derby as the club have been hit with an injury crisis.

The showdown with Tottenham comes a day after Gabriel Jesus was the latest to add to Mikel Arteta's injury woes with an ACL problem.

The growing woes for the north London side in the treatment room could see an alternative line-up against Tottenham on Wednesday evening.

Defence

David Raya should retain his place in goal behind a back four which has become more stable of late.

Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly is likely to keep his spot at left-back over Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The strong centre-back partnership of Gabriel - who scored the only goal in their FA Cup defeat - and William Saliba is likely to be selected too.

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Jurrien Timber is expected to play at right-back whilst Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White remain out.

Calafiori missed the recent match against Man United due to a new muscular injury, meaning his availability for the upcoming derby is doubtful.

First choice right-back White underwent knee surgery in November and has been out of action since.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is also absent from Arsenal's defence. The Japanese defender is in training following his second knee injury of the season, although it is not clear when he will feature next.

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Midfield

The midfield is one of Arsenal's more positive areas in the injury department, with a fitter selection at Arteta's disposal.

Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are expected to take up their usual midfield slots, with Kai Havertz dropping back to the middle of the park.

After a difficult few matches and having only netted twice in the league this season, Arteta may opt for a deeper role for Havertz to build his confidence after firing blanks in his recent matches.

Thomas Partey can remain on the bench alongside Mikel Merino and Jorginho.

Attack

Up front is where Arteta has his bigger concerns, with a lack of reinforcements available.

A front three of Gabriel Martinelli on the left, Raheem Sterling on the right and Leandro Trossard in the middle appears to be the most plausible selection.

The bench will also be scarce on attacking options as Arsenal's current injury list includes Bukayo Saka, Jesus - who is out for the season with an ACL injury - Calafiori and Ben White, each with varying return dates.

Jesus suffered a severe knee injury during the FA Cup match against Man United and is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season and possibly the start of next season.

Ethan Nwaneri sustained a muscle injury in the Premier League clash with Brighton earlier this month and remains sidelined.

Meanwhile, Saka is the side's biggest miss having picked up a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in December.

The England international is recovering from hamstring surgery and is anticipated to be out for approximately six more weeks.

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