MIKEL ARTETA remains hamstrung by injuries ahead of his first home game as Arsenal boss.
The Spaniard will be back at the Emirates on Sunday to watch his new side take on Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.
Arteta will likely be forced to put out a makeshift defence with Bukayo Saka to slot in at left-back following the injuries to Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney.
However he will welcome back Calum Chambers from his one-game suspension who could slot straight into central defence.
One of his biggest dilemmas remains the worrying form of striker Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman has only scored five league goals this season including four in his last 12 matches.
Gabriel Martinelli’s emergence into the first team has seen his place in the side under threat although the youngster remains a doubt with a thigh injury.
Arteta could stick with Lacazette along with star man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe.
Pepe started the draw over Bournemouth on the bench and provide the fresh legs needed to spark the Gunners into life.
Granit Xhaka’s revelation that he wants to leave Arsenal means Matteo Guendouzi could come back into the starting XI alongside Lucas Torreira.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is likely to keep his place at right-back with Hector Bellerin facing a late fitness test.
The Spaniard is recovering from a thigh injury and is touch-and-go whether he’ll be able to make the squad.
Dani Ceballos and Rob Holding are almost ready for selection although Sunday may come too soon for the pair.
Granit Xhaka’s agent confirms midfielder ‘wants Arsenal exit’ and has agreed Hertha Berlin transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
